Analysis of Temporal Metaphor Meanings in Song Lyrics from AKB48 Studio Albums by Yasushi Akimoto

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the forms and meanings of temporal metaphors in the song lyrics of AKB48 studio albums using a descriptive qualitative approach. Lyric excerpts containing temporal metaphorical expressions were analyzed in two stages: (1) identification and classification based on Lakoff and Johnson's metaphor theory encompassing ontological, structural, and orientational metaphors; and (2) meaning analysis based on Mac Cormac's theory which divides metaphorical meaning into communicative, cultural, and cognitive meanings. The results indicate that the structural metaphor type Time is Motion is the most dominant (10 data), followed by ontological (9 data) and orientational metaphors (4 data). In terms of meaning, cognitive meaning in the form of imagery is the most prevalent (10 data), demonstrating that metaphorical expressions are capable of constructing imaginative visualizations of temporal experiences in song lyrics.

Keywords: temporal metaphor, song lyrics, AKB48, metaphorical meaning, cognitive linguistics