Culturally Relevant Metaphors Metaphors From

¶ … Culturally relevant metaphors

Metaphors from my culture rule of thumb" is a common metaphor for an inexact measurement. It is a means of estimation made according to a rough and ready practical rule, not based in science or exact requirements. Although, apocryphally it was supposed to refer to an old English law that "allowed a man to beat his wife with a stick so long as it is was no thicker than his thumb" the real origin is unclear, and likely "refers to one of the numerous ways that thumbs have been used to estimate things," in England such as "judging the alignment or distance of an object by holding the thumb in one's eye-line, the temperature of brews of beer, [and] measurement using the estimated inch from the joint to the nail" ("Rule of Thumb," 2007, the Phrase Finder).

This phrase actually reinforces how so many of our current measurements, like the foot, are historically based upon the human body, and actually only became a standardized measurement later on in our culture. It also illustrates our belief that it is sometimes acceptable and good to use our own judgment as a rough, reliable guide, and to obey intuitive common sense, and the common sense of others when measuring things.

Another, more recent phrase; "cut to the chase," which means to get to the point and leave out unnecessary things, has purely American origins. It has roots in the film industry, reflecting hidden impact of cinema on American life. "Many early silent films ended in chase sequences preceded by obligatory romantic storylines" ("Cut to the Chase," 2007, the Phrase Finder). It is even noted in early silent screenplays: "Jannings escapes... Cut to chase,' is a common direction. The phrase was included in a manual on screenwriting and then got picked up by newspaper editorial writers as a metaphor for other issues ("Cut to the Chase," 2007, the Phrase Finder). It became popular because it satisfies the American demand for speed, and also plain-spokenness and action.

A metaphor from another culture

In her essay "The difficulty of adjusting to American culture for Japanese business executives, Diane Choi explains a common metaphor in Japan with no real corresponding metaphor in Japan. "The nail that sticks up gets hammered down." This building metaphor illustrates the importance of harmony in Japanese society. She writes: "Due to the group-oriented nature of Japanese society, they often behave in a collective way. In contrast, Americans respect and value independent behavior, which also means that Americans celebrate and accept non-conformity. The different values that American and Japanese cultures give to conformity vs. non-conformity create special problems for Japanese residents in the U.S." (Choi, 2007).

While in the U.S. we might be told "not to make waves," this metaphor carries more of a connotation of intentionally stirring up trouble, while the Japanese metaphor stresses the beauty of homogeny and harmony, and the uselessness and potential danger of the odd, protruding nail on a board, versus just going by one's own judgment as a rule of thumb. For an American national in Japan, the American, by reflecting upon this metaphor, can understand how open challenges to authority are not viewed in as positive a light as in the U.S. And self-expression is less important than showing consideration and reinforcing the value of community in Japan.