Crossing The Finish Line: A Study of Sporting Metaphors as a Reflection of Cultural Identity in Mountain Province

It is a simple reality that metaphorical language is frequently used in discussions of sports and are challenging for students to comprehend in the classroom. Thus, due to a lack of shared metaphorical language between the students and teachers, which is a requirement for their linguistic needs in the institution, MPSPC students may find it difficult to understand the cultural discourse around sports in Mountain Province. Using Geeraert's [1] theory of lexical semantics and the Metaphor Identification Procedure (MIP) of Pragglejaz’ Group [2] and Steen, et al. [3], this qualitative-narrative study provides an understanding of various themes generated from the metaphors and functions as well as their literal and contextual meanings. This is also helpful for students to gain an understanding of how the metaphors linguistically help them to facilitate communication culturally. The objectives of this study were realized through interviews with student-athletes, coaches, or trainers from various educational institutions during the CARASUC MEET, MT. PROVINCE PROVINCIAL MEET, and the CARAA MEET this 2023, followed by an examination of their actual discourse for metaphorical content. Screenshots of articles, Facebook text messages, and chat comments from Group Chats (GC) were also gathered where metaphors were dominantly mentioned by the writers. Based on these situations that served as the foundation for this study's conclusion, the metaphorical expressions were evaluated, categorized, and semantically studied with six (6) themes and 3 functions. It was discovered that rather than the comments made under each article, articles posted on Facebook during and after the events predominately employ metaphorical language that are used and understood inside contexts. Therefore, this study adds to the body of knowledge in the field of data as well as the applicable conceptual and theoretical framework.