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Volume 32, Issue 2
  • ISSN 0929-0907
  • E-ISSN: 1569-9943
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Abstract

Abstract

This study analyzes the linguistic strategies in a guided meditation exercise. It describes the cognitive and phenomenal processes that the language encourages in meditators and how these relate to the philosophies that inform the Waking Up mindfulness app. It takes a discourse analytic approach grounded in Cognitive linguistics, applying concepts like conceptual metaphor (Lakoff & Johnson 1980), deliberate metaphor (Steen 2014, 2017), force-dynamics (Talmy 2000) and subjective/objective construal (Langacker 2008). The study finds that the cognitive semantics of the language encourages meditators to (a) adopt metaphorical frames and simulate physio-spatial scenarios in which introspective phenomena can be easily observed and manipulated; (b) strategically relinquish cognitive effort in ways that diminish their sense of agency; and (c) construe their sense of Self in paradoxical ways that may make it difficult to detect. The findings contribute to understanding how language can influence introspective phenomenal processes, providing insights for meditation guides and discourse analysts.

© 2025 John Benjamins Publishing Company
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2025-12-04

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Meaning, mindfulness, nonduality?
Pragmatics & Cognition 32, 329 (2025); https://doi.org/10.1075/pc.24032.run
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  • Article Type: Research Article
Keyword(s): Cognitive Grammar; conceptual metaphor; deliberate metaphor; force dynamics; meditation discourse

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