THE IMPACT OF ORIENTATIONAL METAPHORS ON THE RETENTION OF PHRASAL VERBS: A COGNITIVE LINGUISTIC APPROACH FOR NON-PHILOLOGY MAJORS

Abstract

This research paper investigates the effectiveness of utilizing Conceptual Metaphor Theory (CMT), specifically Orientational Metaphors, to enhance the acquisition and long-term retention of English Phrasal Verbs (PVs) among non-linguistic university students. Phrasal verbs often present a significant challenge for second-language learners due to their perceived idiomatic opacity. For non-philology majors (e.g., IT, Engineering, Economics), the traditional method of rote memorization is often inefficient. This study employs a quasi-experimental design to demonstrate that by anchoring particles (up, down, out, off) to spatial logic (e.g., UP IS COMPLETION), learners develop a systematic framework that drastically reduces "retention decay." Results show a 27% higher retention rate in the metaphor-led group compared to the traditional group