A study on metaphorical perceptions of EFL learners regarding foreign language teacher

As a research tool, metaphor has been used recently in eliciting teacher or learner belief as a result of the assumption that our thought processes are largely metaphorical in nature. Indeed, the metaphors we use not only represent the way we perceive the world and reality but also shape our professional ideas, attitudes, and practices.This study aimed to investigate the conceptual metaphors of both ELT major and non-ELT major learners in regard to their perception of an English language teacher. In addition, the study searches into the similarities and/or discrepancies between ELT major learners and non-ELT major learners in how they perceive an English language teacher.Data were collected through metaphor elicitation sheet, semi-structured interviews, and personal essays. Both qualitative and quantitative methods of analysis were used. Personal metaphors were analyzed and main conceptual themes were identified.The main results of the study indicate that while some metaphors are peculiar to English language teacher such as oracle, schizophrenic, and gum, some metaphors seem to be common with the ones developed for the concept of a teacher such as "light", "guide" and "bridge".Keywords: Conceptual Metaphor, Foreign Language Teacher, Learner Perception