Metáforas conceptuais e construção de sentidos: impactos na (des)humanização das interações no Detran - MA

Abstract

This paper analyzes the use of conceptual metaphors in spontaneous speeches, originating from educational actions of the Maranhão State Department of Traffic (Detran-MA). The study has as its theme “Conceptual Metaphors and Construction of Meanings: Impacts on the (De)humanization of Interactions at Detran-MA” and investigates the following research problem: How do conceptual metaphors present in the speech of Detran employees and users influence the construction of meanings, and can they promote or hinder more inclusive and humanized communication? The guiding questions are: 1. Which conceptual metaphors are most frequent in the speech of Detran employees and users (captured in YouTube videos)? 2. How do these metaphors affect interaction and clarity on the part of citizens? 3. How do the identified metaphors facilitate or hinder mutual understanding and effective communication? The general objective of this research was to analyze the conceptual metaphors present in the speeches of Detran-MA employees and users, available in public videos, in order to understand their impact on the construction of meanings. The specific objectives are: 1. To collect excerpts from public videos (YouTube), related to the provision of services by Detran - MA, transcribe them and identifying spontaneous conceptual metaphors in the interviewees’ speech. 2. To analyze the conceptual metaphors present in these speeches, relating them to the theoretical framework. 3. To discuss possible implications of the identified metaphors for humanized communication, suggesting alternatives for adaptation. The research is based on the Theory of Conceptual Metaphor (Lakoff and Johnson, 1980), on the studies of Kövecses (2002, 2010, 2020), Steen (2011, 2008), Cameron and Low (1999), Cameron (2003), Reddy (1979), Carneiro (2014, 2016). The investigation uses a qualitative approach, of an applied nature, with a descriptive and exploratory character. The data were collected through the analysis of two public videos available on YouTube, in which spontaneous interactions between civil servants and citizens occur, such as interviews and lectures on topics related to traffic. The methodology includes transcription and discursive analysis of the statements, focusing on the identification and interpretation of conceptual metaphors. The results reveal the presence of conceptual metaphors in the analyzed discourses. The data indicate the predominance of hierarchical metaphors that position the user as a passive subject, a recipiente in the relationship with the institution. In this sense, this study contributes to the expansion of research on language and citizenship, in addition to proposing ways to reformulate communication in the context of Detran - MA services.