Metonymy definitions, examples and characteristics
Earlier computational approaches to detecting and interpreting metonymy
Markert & Hahn’s criticism of the earlier computational approaches and proposed solutions to these problems
Markert & Hahn’s computational model
Conclusions
Metonymy: Definitions
A non-literal figure of speech in which the name of one thing is substituted for that of another related to it. (Lakoff & Johnson, 1980)
The use of a word or expression as a substitute for something with which it is closely associated. From Greek metonumia ‘change of name’. (Oxford English Dictionary)
The use of a single characteristic to identify a more complex entity. It is also known as denominatio or pars pro toto (part for the whole).
One of the basic characteristics of cognition. It is extremely common for people to take one well-understood or easy-to-perceive aspect of something and use that aspect to stand either for the thing as a whole or for some other aspect or part of it. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metonymy)
Metonymy: Examples
The ham sandwich is waiting for his check.
Nixon bombed Hanoi.
Which airlines fly from Boston to Denver?
The Boston office called.
Denise drank the bottle.
The kettle is boiling.
You’ll find better ideas than that in the library.
John began a novel.
Scotland beat Ireland.
America did once try to ban alcohol.
Ask seat 19 whether he wants to swap.
Press-men hoisted their Kodaks.
I liked the laser; its printouts were excellent.
He read Shakespeare.
I’m parked out back.
The White House announced a preparedness plan that could include travel limitations should an outbreak of avian flu threaten the United States.
