Concept Note
Introduction:
“Metaphors and South Asia” aims to provide a comprehensive exploration of the role, usage, and
implications of metaphors within the diverse and vibrant context of South Asia. Metaphors are
powerful linguistic devices that facilitate communication, shape understanding, and contribute to
the construction of meaning. In the South Asian context, metaphors play a significant role in
reflecting cultural and social realities, influencing narratives, and shaping power dynamics. This
volume seeks to examine the multifaceted nature of metaphors in South Asia, shedding light on
their diverse usage and implications.
Objectives:
The central objectives of this volume are as follows:
- Catalog and analyze metaphors across domains: The volume intends to collect and
analyze metaphors used in different domains, including politics, religion, literature, media,
and everyday life. By undertaking a thorough examination of these metaphors, the volume
aims to understand their specific conceptual mappings and linguistic devices, which
contribute to the construction of meaning within South Asian speech communities. - Uncover regional and linguistic variations: One of the key goals of this volume is to
uncover regional and linguistic variations in the usage and interpretation of metaphors
within South Asia. The richness and diversity of South Asian languages and dialects
provide a unique opportunity to explore how different cultures and linguistic communities
shape and employ metaphors. By showcasing these variations, the volume will highlight
the unique ways in which different languages and cultural contexts contribute to the use
and understanding of metaphors in the region. - Explore metaphors in relation to social and cultural dynamics: This volume seeks to
examine how metaphors reflect and reinforce social and cultural norms, values, and power
dynamics within South Asian societies. Through an analysis of metaphors, the volume aims
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to investigate how they represent and contribute to the understanding of gender, caste,
class, identity, and other social dimensions. It will interrogate how metaphors can both
perpetuate and challenge existing social hierarchies. - Highlight less-represented languages and perspectives: Another important objective of
this volume is to give voice to less-represented languages and perspectives within South
Asia. It aims to include contributions that focus on metaphors in languages that have
received relatively less scholarly attention. By doing so, the volume will contribute to a
more comprehensive understanding of the diverse linguistic and cultural fabric of the
region. - Provide a multidisciplinary examination of metaphors: This volume welcomes
contributions from scholars across various disciplines, including linguistics, anthropology,
literature, sociology, political science, and more. By incorporating diverse disciplinary
perspectives, this volume aims to provide a multidimensional exploration of metaphors in
the South Asian context. It seeks to bridge disciplinary boundaries and foster a
comprehensive understanding of the role and implications of metaphors in the region. - Expand beyond the listed objectives: While the objectives listed above provide a
framework for the volume, this call for contributions is not limited to them. We encourage
scholars to propose innovative and thought-provoking research that expands the
understanding of metaphors in South Asia. Contributions that explore the historical,
cultural, and linguistic evolution of metaphors, the role of metaphors in political discourse
and social movements, the influence of metaphors on literary and artistic expressions, and
other related areas are particularly welcomed.
Submission Guidelines:
Authors are invited to submit a proposed chapter title and an abstract (approximately 150 words)
outlining the theoretical framework, research questions, methodology, and main arguments of their
proposed chapter by December 15. The chapters should be between 5,000-8,000 words in length.
However, we understand that there may be variations in the length depending on the depth and
scope of the research, and we will consider exceptional cases.
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Regarding timelines, we aim to receive the final essay contributions by June 15, 2024. However,
we understand that research projects may require additional time, so we are flexible with the
deadline. The anticipated final publication date will be announced soon.
In terms of choosing relevant metaphors for essays, we do not have a preference for metaphors in
a specific language, such as Hindi, Saraiki, Tamil, or English. We welcome contributions that
focus on metaphors in any South Asian language or dialect. Our primary interest is in exploring
the South Asian context, so the language in which the metaphor is expressed is secondary. The
key criterion is that the subject matter of the essay should be connected to South Asia and
contribute to the understanding of metaphors in the region.
Overall, “Metaphors and South Asia” aims to provide a comprehensive and multidisciplinary
examination of metaphors in the South Asian context. We encourage scholars from various
disciplines to contribute their unique perspectives and analyses to create a rich and diverse
collection that explores the usage and implications of metaphors within South Asia.
Call for Assistance:
In addition to inviting you to contribute to the volume, we kindly request your assistance in
spreading the word about this project among scholars and researchers in the field. Your support in
encouraging potential contributors would greatly contribute to the success and inclusivity of the
volume. Together, we can further the understanding of metaphors in South Asia from a
multidisciplinary perspective.
Co-editors:
Dr. Bairam Khan
Middle East & South Asia Studies Program
Wake Forest University (USA)
cbairamkhan@gmail.com
Dr. Premlata Vaishnava
South Asian Language Program
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor (USA)
pinkim18@gmail.co
SALTA 
approve
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