Metaphorical Perceptions of the Concept of "Game" from the Perspective of Students Studying in the Department of Recreation

Abstract

Play is not just a form of entertainment and leisure activity; it is also one of the most important tools for socialization. Accordingly, the aim of this study is to reveal how students in the recreation department conceptualize their thoughts on “play” through metaphors. The study utilized qualitative research methods and employed a phenomenological design. The study group was selected using purposive sampling and determined through the convenience sampling technique. The study group consists of 32 students aged between 18-34 who are studying in the recreation department. Participants were asked one metaphor question. The findings revealed that the metaphors related to the concept of recreation included categories such as psychological well-being, learning by doing, fun, necessity, teamwork, socialization, time management, communication, and freedom. As a result, the concept of play was perceived by recreation students under various metaphorical categories as a multifaceted phenomenon that provides happiness, emphasizes the sense of pleasure, is considered necessary for making life livable, and is energizing.