This study considers some problems of reference found in figurative language, particularly in metaphor and metonymy. Analysis is based on the notion that the effects communicated by figurative language depend to a large extent on reference to more than one concept, experience, or entity, and that the presence of multiple potential referents…

This paper examines some of the problems associated with interpreting metonymy, a figure of speech in which an attribute or commonly associated feature is used to name or designate something. After defining metonymy and outlining the principles of metonymy, the paper explains the differences between metonymy, synecdoche, and metaphor. It is…

This paper investigates the intentional creation of ambiguity by composers of cryptic crossword puzzles. Taking a research question of "what makes a cryptic clue more difficult to solve than a simple crossword clue," it compares a sample of cryptic and quick crosswords from "The Guardian" and attempts to isolate the linguistic…

Papers in this serial on aspects of applied linguistics include: "An Investigation into Teachers' Attitudes to Using Literature in the Language Classroom" (Marie Gilroy); "Creating Multimedia Courseware for ESP" (Philip Goertzen, Ron Howard); "A Comparison of Listening and Speaking Tests for Student Placement" (Anne Heller, Tony Lynch, Linda…