Patterns of Figurative Language Competence in Adult Speakers

摘要: Summary. In an attempt to discover patterns of adult figurative language use, preference and comprehension, 30 Ss were asked complete 4 different tasks: a composition, test simile preference, production, metaphoric comprehension. Each provided scores for both novel clich~ed usage. The composition task was also scored total words while production tasks literal usage, thus producing 11 dependent variables across the set tasks. Results revealed that selected higher number figures under choice relative conditions. Correlational results relationships all categories frozen usage although certain (i.e., production) more sensitive diction others (comprehension) diction. Within-task correlations, on other hand~ showed unique each Factor analyses these correlations found produce series consistent three-factor solutions with first factors concerned primarily diction, second third Taken in combination, present interpreted mean distinction between is meaningful one, specific requirements can do moderate pattern obtained. This suggests competence may not be unitary process but one strongly affected by situational constraints future work, methodological theoretical, must take into account.