The fact is that many, although not all, words in a language must be studied on several levels. There is the literal meaning; this is to understand a word in its most basic meaning. This is the definition of a word which is usually taught. However many words can, or should I say must, also be understood metaphorically or figuratively. In English terms of the body can not be understood only literally; they must also be mastered figuratively. The body terms arm and elbow, for example, have several different meanings. Many popular and familiar expressions contain body terms such as ‘face,’ ‘tongue,’ ‘back,’ ‘head’ and ‘eye’.
The fact is that many, although not all, words in a language must be studied on several levels. There is the literal meaning; this is to understand a word in its most basic meaning. This is the definition of a word which is usually taught. However many words can, or should I say must, also be understood metaphorically or figuratively. In English terms of the body can not be understood only literally; they must also be mastered figuratively. The body terms arm and elbow, for example, have several different meanings. Many popular and familiar expressions contain body terms such as ‘face,’ ‘tongue,’ ‘back,’ ‘head’ and ‘eye’. (contains 5 sets of cards)
In English almost each part of the body symbolizes something. At times, a body part represents more than one attribute. The heart, for example, does not only stand for love. In the expression, to get to the heart of the matter, heart is synonymous to the core, kernel, seed, and germ. In the expression to learn something by heart is to memorize or know something word for word. 'To eat one's heart ' out has nothing to do with the core of something, memorizing something, or being in love. In this expression heart represents sorrow, mourning, pining for, or agonizing over.
The attributes which a culture gives to different parts of the body reveals a great deal about how that culture sees itself and its members. English has a large number of idiomatic expression which contain terms of the body. Wylcomenetwork.com istudycards on Bilingual Body Expressions were developed to help the Spanish-speaker learn the cultural and figurative meanings of different body terms in English. This particular download is on the eye, face and tongue. In English, these three areas of the body are rich in figurative meaning. (Note: That many times when a word of the body is used in English, it is either NOT used in Spanish or another part of the body is used). As far as the eyes could see, (hasta donde alcanza la vista), in the mind’s eyes, (en la imaginación), to cry one’s eyes out, (llorar a lágrimas vivas), to have an eye for detail, (ser un detallista), face-off, (confrontación), to come face to face, (estar frente a frente), face value, (valor nominal), the cat got your tongue (te ha traigado la lengua), to hold one’s tongue, (morderse la lengua). With Wylcomenetwork.com istudycards on the eye, face and tongue, you will learn the metaphoric, cultural and idiomatic meanings of three of the most important body terms in the English language.
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