Volume 5. December 2009. | December home |

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Title
Examining Iranian EFL Learners' and Teachers' Beliefs about Teachers Through Metaphor Analysis

Authors
Dr. Rajabali Askarzadeh Torghabeh (Ph.D.)
Ferdowsi University of Mashhad
Majid Elahi (M.A.)
Ferdowsi University of Mashhad
Saeed Khanalipour (M.A.)
University of Sabzevar

Rajabali Askarzadeh Torghabeh is assistant professor in English language and literature. He is teaching in the Department of English, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Iran. His main research interests are: English language learning/teaching, English and American literature.

Majid Elahi, M.A. student in English language, in the Department of English, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Iran.

Saeed Khanalipour, M.A. student in English language, in the Department of English, University of Sabzevar, Iran.

Abstract
         In language teaching, metaphors are the representations of how teachers identify themselves. Through metaphor analysis we can get deep detailed insights into English language teaching and learning process. In this study, we first explored teaching, learning, and learner roles as entailed by the metaphors that were elicited from the participants categorized in the nine conceptual metaphors of provider of knowledge, friend, organizer, nurturer, spiritual leader, parent, entertainer, counselor, and innovator. We also took into account the metaphors mentioned by male and female teachers separately.  Then, we examined learners' beliefs about teachers. Finally, we investigated to what extent teachers' beliefs conformed to their practice through enquiring their learners.

Key words: Metaphor analysis, Teachers’ beliefs, Learners’ beliefs