Amsterdam, Netherlands

Finding Metaphors: The Pragglejaz Experience

Metaphors are all around us - a tsunami of corona cases, fighting Covid-19, beating the virus. But how can we reliably and systematically collect them for further study? A systematic, step-by-step protocol developed at Vrije Universiteit, the 'MIPVU' procedure, can assist you in doing exactly that. The course is oriented towards research skills and focuses on the theoretical motivation and practical application of MIPVU. The course will guide you through each step of the MIPVU metaphor identification procedure. Through hands-on activities using a range of texts such as news reports or speech transcripts, you will learn how to solve problems you may encounter as you go through each of the procedure’s steps. You will also learn how to best organize data coding in collaboration with others, as laid out by the Pragglejaz Group. You will be equipped with the skills you will need for building your own dataset. You will also get to know practical tools (software) to assist in analyzing your data.

Course leader

Tina Krennmayr

Target group

MA students, PhD students, and Post-docs from linguistics, communication studies and related fields. Motivated BA students about to start their final year are also welcome.

Course aim

By the end of this course students will be confident in:

- Understanding the theoretical motivation of MIPVU
- Understanding each step of the procedure
- Applying the procedure to a range of texts from different registers
- Knowing how to solve problematic cases
- Gaining confidence in applying the procedure
- Knowing of and being able to use tools to support metaphor analysis
- Formulating ideas about how to apply the methods and tools in their own research projects
- Developing research skills

Credits info

3 EC
25 contact hours

Fee info

EUR 930: Tuition fee

For 2 ECTS courses:
Students, PhD students and employees of VU Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC or an Aurora Network Partner: €580*
Students and PhD students: €680*
Professionals: €880*
Applications received before 15 October -€50 (Early Bird Discount)

For 3 ECTS courses:
Students, PhD students and employees of VU Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC or an Aurora Network Partner: €630*
Students and PhD students: €730*
Professionals: €930*
Applications received before 15 October -€50 (Early Bird Discount)

* Auditor participants receive €100 discount. Not available for all courses. Early Bird Discount is not valid on the auditor fee. Find out more under the section: Type of participation

The tuition fee includes: 
* Application and registration
* Exclusive course content for a limited number of participants
* Individual/group guidance from the course organiser
* Access to all online VU facilities such as the library and online learning environments
* A certificate of attendance after completing the course 
* A transcript of records, including the grade and the obtained ECTS
* The full support of the winter school team
* Optional social activities