Metaphorical Models and the Translation of Scientific Texts

In this article we investigate the mechanisms behind the urge for better and
new understanding. Our hypothesis is that these are generally related to and
inspired by metaphorical reasoning. The existing cognitive model of a source
domain of understanding is used to structure and categorise a target
domain. The metaphorical model is an underlying schema which is not fully
expressed propositionally and lexically. The traces and results of metaphorical
thinking are in metaphorical lexicalisations. We challenge the principle
of traditional Vienna school terminology theory which claims that
because unambiguous communication is the ideal in scientific communication,
it is preferable to replace a metaphorical term by its literal equivalent.
We show how in the life sciences the gestalt-like metaphorical model which
was at the basis of better understanding and new discovery continues to have
an important role in didactic as well as in scientific texts which treat the
same or related subjects. The discipline of terminology theory could work
out guidelines for the description of metaphorical models starting from the
metaphorical lexicalisations which are the traces which metaphorical thinking
leaves in a language. Translators who are aware of the impact of
metaphorical reasoning on lexicalisation in scientific language will develop
the ability to distinguish between metaphorical models which are language
and culture independent and those which are not.