Pictorial Metaphors in Typhoon Forecast Charts: An Analysis Based on the Theories of Conceptual Metaphor and Conceptual Blending

Abstract

This paper studied the pictorial metaphors in typhoon forecast charts announced by the Central Weather Bureau in Taiwan. Our analysis was based on the theory of conceptual metaphor and conceptual blending. The instruments included a self-development questionnaire “The Pictorial Metaphors Test of Typhoon Forecast Charts” and semi-structured interviews. The questionnaires were distributed to thirty 3 pupils in Taiwan. Six of them for interviewed. The conclusions show that metaphors may affect pupils’ comprehension of typhoon forecasts charts. We argued that typhoon forecast charts were meaningful, coherent, and helpful to scientific thinking. However, typhoon forecast charts might also result in misconceptions and negative effects. Implications are provided for the instruction to promote pupils’ meteorological literacy and placed importance on the critical role of metaphors in comprehension of science-related typhoon forecast charts. Background and Purpose An average of six to seven typhoons per year influenced Taiwan in summer or autumn . Three or four of them hit Taiwan area directly (http://www.cwb.gov.tw/). Sometime, these strong typhoons might destroy Taiwanese property and life. For example, the 2009 Moral typhoon caused Taiwan 673 departure and 26 missing. For this reason, even elementary pupils should be able to understand the typhoon forecast warning and make preparations to defense the typhoon with their parents. Some studies have argued students' alternative conceptions of weather, and especially the text of weather were concerned (Dove, 1998; Henriques, 2002; Spiropoulou, Kostopoulos, & Jacovides, 1999; Stepans & Kuehn, 1985). But few studies explored the alternative conception of pictorial symbol on typhoon forecast charts. Therefore the main findings of this paper will portray the meaningful implications to enhance pupils’ understanding of meteorological concepts.