Analogical mapping of domains in cause-effect representations: a comparison of different science text types
Analogical mapping of domains in cause-effect representations: a comparison of different science text types

Summary/Abstract: In this contribution, two frequent devices in academic writing, analogy and causation, are investigated in a number of constructions of the type X CAUSE Y. The relationship between the causer and the caused is identified as an analogical relationship which illuminates the basic principles of analogy-making in academic writing, especially in the natural sciences. This leads to the question whether an analogue depiction of research results would make more adequate science possible. Data basis is a mid-size corpus of natural science texts, in a parallel structure that juxtaposes research articles from physics and the biosciences with their counterparts in popular science writing. The comparison can then show quantitative as well as qualitative differences in distribution and genre.

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