Cognitive-Cultural Analysis of the Metaphor of "Balā" (Affliction) in Selected Persian and Arabic Mystical Texts

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Assistant professor of Persian Language and Literature, Faculty of Literature, Alzahra University, Tehran, Iran.

2 Associate professor Persian Language and Literature, Faculty of Literature, Alzahra University, Tehran, Iran.

Abstract

This study comparatively examines the metaphorical conceptualization of "Balā" (Affliction) in selected Persian and Arabic mystical texts. The primary objective is to identify similarities and classify the dimensions of variation in "Balā"'s conceptualization, alongside precisely describing the "semantic focus" of the metaphor in each tradition. The theoretical framework is Kövecses's (2005) Cognitive-Cultural Metaphor Theory, focusing on the interplay between universal concepts and cultural variation. The research employs a mixed-methods (quantitative and qualitative) approach, with data analyzed through content analysis and qualitative metaphor mapping.
The results indicate that common source domains such as "CONTAINER," "LOAD," "FIRE," and "FOOD" are used to conceptualize "Balā" in the reviewed texts of both languages. However, significant differences in cognitive-cultural preferences and metaphorical elaborations are observed, which can be classified into four distinct levels: 1) differences in metaphor frequency, 2) congruent and alternative conceptualizations, 3) the scope of the target domain, and 4) variations in metaphorical mappings and entailments. A qualitative analysis of these dimensions reveals that the semantic focus of "Balā" in the Arabic mystical tradition, characterized by a high prominence and frequency of the "FORCE and MOTION" source domain, conceptualizes Balā as an inevitable encounter with a powerful Divine force, directed from top to bottom.
Conversely, the semantic focus of "Balā" in the Persian mystical tradition, characterized by the prominent and frequent use of the "FIRE and CONTAINER" source domain, conceptualizes Balā as an active experience essential for achieving perfection and spiritual maturity along the path (Suluk). These findings underscore the necessity of a descriptive classification of the dimensions of metaphorical variation in abstract mystical concepts, as informed by Cognitive-Cultural Theory. 
Introduction:
This research presents a comparative cognitive-cultural analysis of the metaphorical conceptualization of "Balā" (Affliction/Trial) in selected mystical texts from the Persian and Arabic traditions. The central issue addresses the dual nature of abstract concept conceptualization: the coexistence of universal cognitive schemas and the manifestation of cultural variation. The primary objective is to identify both the shared source domains and the specific cultural differences, subsequently describing the precise semantic focus (metaphorical focus) assigned to "Balā" in each intellectual tradition. This study employs Kövecses's (2005) Cognitive-Cultural Metaphor Theory, emphasizing how competing cultural models shape and elaborate universal image schemas.
Method:
This study employed a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative and qualitative analyses. The dataset was drawn from canonical Persian and Arabic mystical works. The quantitative phase involved corpus analysis to extract and count the frequency of all linguistic manifestations of "Balā" and classify them into their corresponding metaphorical source domains (e.g., FORCE, CONTAINER, FOOD). The qualitative phase applied Cognitive Metaphor Theory to conduct a detailed mapping analysis. This involved examining the linguistic context to identify specific mappings and cultural entailments (inferences) derived from the source domains. The analysis specifically focused on classifying observed cross-cultural variation across four distinct levels: (1) differences in source domain frequency, (2) congruent and alternative conceptualizations, (3) the scope of the target domain, and (4) variation in metaphorical mappings and entailments.
Results and Discussion:
Analysis of the collected data confirms the existence of shared global schemas (e.g., FORCE, CONTAINER, MOTION) and common source domains (e.g., LOAD, FIRE, FOOD) for conceptualizing Balā in both traditions. However, the data reveals significant cognitive-cultural preferences that lead to divergent metaphorical models.
 
Quantitative Summary: Source Domain Preference




Source Domain


Persian Rank (Frequency)


Arabic Rank (Frequency)


Key Finding




FORCE


Second (13.46%)


First (25.28%)


FORCE is significantly more emphasized in Arabic.




FOOD/DRINK


Third (10.57%)


Sixth (3.77%)


FOOD/DRINK is a highly preferred model in Persian.




FIRE


Fifth (8.89%)


Thirteenth (1.13%)


FIRE is significantly elaborated in the Persian tradition.




 
Qualitative Findings: Semantic Focus and Entailments
The analysis of mappings and entailments established the distinct Semantic Focus for each mystical tradition:
 

Arabic Mystical Tradition (Focus on the Inevitable Force): The frequent and detailed use of the FORCE and MOTION schemas conceptualizes Balā as a mighty, external, and predetermined divine force (Qadar). The mappings emphasize top-down direction (using verbs such as NaZal, Ṣabba, Ḥalla), intensity (using adjectives like Ashadd), and the state of containment (using general prepositions such as Fī) rather than a specific vessel. The primary cultural implication is resignation and submission (Riḍā) in the face of inevitable power.
Persian Mystical Tradition (Focus on Active Transformation): The high elaboration of the FIRE and CONTAINER schemas, often combined (e.g., Balā is a Crucible/Furnace), shifts the focus to an Active, Internal, and Voluntary Experiential Process. Mappings emphasize Purification, Ripeness, and Valuation. This tradition frequently uses Alternative Conceptualizations not found in Arabic, such as Balā is a "Beloved's Coquetry" (linking affliction to romantic pleasure) or Balā is an "Honoring Garment/Robe of Honor" (linking it to status and spiritual ascent). The key cultural entailment is Perfection (Kamāl) and Voluntary Ascent along the path (Suluk).

Conclusion:
The findings underscore that while the universal conceptual foundations of "Balā" are shared, cultural models fundamentally alter the metaphorical landscape. The conceptualization of Balā in Arabic emphasizes a necessary Passive Confrontation with Divine Authority, whereas the Persian tradition privileges Active Transformation and the Pursuit of Spiritual Excellence through a sought-after trial. This study provides a necessary descriptive classification of the dimensions of cross-cultural metaphor variation, reinforcing the critical role of the cognitive-cultural framework in analyzing abstract concepts within comparative mystical discourse.
 

Keywords

Main Subjects

Article Title [العربیة]

التحلیل المعرفی-الثقافی لاستعارة "البلاء" فی نصوص صوفیة مختارة (الفارسیة والعربیة)

Abstract [العربیة]

تتناول هذه الدراسة المقارنة المفهمة الاستعاریة للبلاء فی نصوص صوفیة مختارة من التراثین الفارسی والعربی. تتمحور الإشکالیة الرئیسیة حول تحدید أوجه التشابه وتصنیف أبعاد التنوع فی المفهمة الاستعاریة للبلاء، والوصف الدقیق لـ "البؤرة الدلالیة" للاستعارة فی کل تقلید. یعتمد الإطار النظری على نظریة الاستعارة المعرفیة-الثقافیة لـ کوفیتشیس (2005)، مع الترکیز على التفاعل بین المفاهیم الکونیة والتنوع الثقافی. أُجری البحث بمنهج مختلط (کمّی-نوعی)، وتم تحلیل البیانات باستخدام تحلیل المحتوى والمقاربة النوعیة لتحلیل الخرائط الاستعاریة. تشیر النتائج إلى وجود حقول مصدر مشترکة مثل: "الوعاء" و**"الحِمْل"** و**"النار"** و**"المأکول/المشروب"** لمفهمة "البلاء" فی نصوص اللغتین المدروسة. ومع ذلک، لوحظت اختلافات جوهریة فی التفضیلات المعرفیة-الثقافیة وفی توسیع الاستعارات، والتی یمکن تصنیفها فی أربعة مستویات: 1) تفاوت تردد الاستعارات، 2) المفهمة المتوافقة والبدیلة، 3) نطاق الحقل الهدف، و 4) التنوع فی الخرائط والاستنتاجات الاستعاریة. یوضح التحلیل النوعی أن البؤرة الدلالیة للبلاء فی التقلید الصوفی العربی، مع بروز وتردد عالٍ لحقل المصدر "القوة والحرکة"، تمفهم البلاء على أنه مواجهة لقوة إلهیة قویة ومحتومة تتجه من الأعلى إلى الأسفل. بینما البؤرة الدلالیة للبلاء فی التقلید الصوفی الفارسی، مع بروز وتردد حقل المصدر "النار والوعاء"، تمفهمه کتجربة فاعلة وواعیة للوصول إلى الکمال والنضج فی مسار السلوک. تؤکد هذه النتائج على ضرورة التصنیف الوصفی لأبعاد التنوع الاستعاری للمفاهیم المجردة فی ضوء النظریة المعرفیة-الثقافیة.

Keywords [العربیة]

  • نظریة الاستعارة المعرفیة-الثقافیة لکوفیتشیس
  • البؤرة الدلالیة للاستعارة
  • البلاء
  • اللغة الصوفیة

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History

  • Receive Date: 19 February 2025
  • Revise Date: 03 October 2025
  • Accept Date: 05 October 2025

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