Bildliga betydelser i SAOB

In this study, I investigate what a figurative sense is in the Swedish Academy Dictionary (SAOB). The description of figurative senses in the dictionary is analyzed in terms of word classes and the use of specific labels in the definitions, such as bildl. (figurative), is mapped out. From a cognitive semantic perspective, I investigate what the figurative uses of the present cases consist of, in a cognitive sense. What semantic process is at hand (metaphor, metonymy etc.)? And to what extent does a figurative sense imply polysemy? The study is a part of a licentiate project and the aim of this article is to present some preliminary results of that project