SEMANTIC DEROGATION IN ANIMAL METAPHORS: A CASE STUDY OF AESOP’S FABLES

Abstract

Stories play a significant role in schema development as they can shape the reader’s view. Children's fiction stories, in particular, have a significant impact on readers' inner schemas. This research has been carried out using a mixed-methods approach. This research has four objectives. Firstly, to explore Aesop’s fables for animal metaphors Secondly, to highlight the use of semantic derogation in Aesop’s fables Thirdly, to compare the readers' perceptions of the animal metaphors used in Aesop’s fables. The samples have been taken from private schools, specifically from students at the primary level. How far does the animals' representation in Aesop’s fables impact the reader’s schema? The majority of literature readers have an impact on their schemas of animal representation in Aesop's fables, according to this study. It is possible that media and animated cartoons in which animal characteristics have been used still carry the derogatory perception of the animals as depicted in fables. However, in the other cases where the learner's perception of these animals differs from the fables, Aesop has no influence. There are some other influences such as cultural influence, media, animated cartoons, social media, domestic reasons, and other environmental factors involved.