How and Why to Teach English Metaphors to Japanese Learners Through Visual Media: With Practical Examples From Steven Universe

Teaching conceptual metaphors to EFL learners has been shown to help with their learning of vocabulary and expressions, but this can be difficult for L1 Japanese EFL learners because of cultural and linguistic differences in the two languages. In teaching metaphors, the Cognitive Theory of Multimedia Learning and understanding of the theory of mental spaces can be used to argue that using visual media is particularly helpful for English learners. This paper presents a case that teaching conceptual metaphors is important for L1 Japanese learners of English, but difficult because of the large number of differences in the metaphorical expressions of the two languages, though these problems can be overcome through visual media, particularly animations. It suggests that they can be especially helpful when attempting to teach new conceptual metaphors to EFL learners because of their multi-modal nature and the ease with which they can construe reality. The paper further argues that animations aimed at children, such as Steven Universe, are particularly helpful because the metaphors are often made especially easy to understand, are often shown in an appropriate cultural context. Furthermore, Steven Universe has recurring themes built upon conceptual metaphors, allowing instructors to find many examples of the same metaphors.