Event structure as a basis of semantic processing of familiar metaphors

In this paper I propose a model of metaphor interpretation that would account for the possibility that semantic processing of familiar metaphors no longer go through the sequential steps of alignment and projection, but may rather be established upon schematic semantic units allowing faster processing. The proposition is grounded on the notion that metaphors are formed based on peoples’ perception of what is typically associated with entities. It is suggested that in its most abstract form, these associations are essentially events, analyzed in terms of event structure.