The Metaphor Identification Procedure

The Metaphor Identification Procedure (MIP) is a method used to find metaphors within language. It involves carefully examining a text and identifying words that have a literal meaning but are used in a way that suggests a different, metaphorical sense. The process includes selecting words that are important for understanding, noting their common literal meaning, and determining if they are used metaphorically—that is, to represent something else through comparison. This systematic approach helps analyze how metaphors shape meaning in communication, providing insights into how people use language creatively to express complex ideas.