A Descriptive Analysis of the Formation of Metaphors in Academic Writing

Abstract

This paper investigates studies on metaphors in academic writing by adopting Fink’s (2005) definition of a systematic literature review (SLR) in discussing the selected research categories. The subject of interest is the first stage under SLR termed as planning. This stage explores the research objective as well as detailed procedures in terms of protocols and exercises implemented in the preferred studies. The planning stage aims to elaborate on the idea of metaphors production more explicitly and comprehensively while maintaining its prime relevance for future studies. Findings reveal that past research was analysed through keywords of “Metaphors in Academic Writing Among Students”, which involves the production of metaphors in academic writing in the field of Science, English language, Economics, Second Language Learning and general academic discourse. Semantics is a discipline that explores aspects of meaning and thought. However, the SLR method is rarely explored in the field. In critically describing metaphors in academic writing, previous studies are required to be analytically and systematically elaborated using the SLR method as suggested by Fink (2005). Therefore, this research can serve as a pioneer in studies related to the usage of metaphors in academic writing.