Metonyms and Metaphors in Ancient Maya Hieroglyphic Texts

Authors

  • Alejandro Sheseña Universidad de Ciencias y Artes de Chiapas

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21638/11701/spbu02.2020.206

Abstract

This article discusses the presence of figurative language resources, specifically metonyms and metaphors, in the language used in the hieroglyphic inscriptions of the ancient Maya. In particular, it is argued that certain syntactic constructions that appear in the inscriptions, constructions previously not addressed by scholars, actually express metonyms and metaphors related to anger and bravery. This has been possible thanks to a procedure that does not limit the hieroglyphic reading to literal translations but applies a philological analysis, which in this case has made it possible to identify the figurative resources referred to. Thus, considering the use of linguistic references preserved among the descendants of the ancient Maya, and based on particular cases taken from representative inscriptions, the article highlights the main features of the metonymies and metaphors in question. The fact that these figurative resources are located in royal titles or attributive adjectives forming names of rulers is highlighted. Therefore, the article includes a discussion of how those names and titles should be understood in terms of translation. The ancient Mayan rulers would have included in their names figurative references to their anger and courage in order to impose their authority over their subjects. Because result of the analysis, the article includes, by way of conclusion, a repertoire of ancient figurative terms referring to anger and bravery, material that will undoubtedly complement our knowledge on the subject and underline the richness of the language of this great civilization.

Keywords:

ancient maya, maya writing, mayan languages, figurative language, metonyms and metaphors

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Author Biography

Alejandro Sheseña, Universidad de Ciencias y Artes de Chiapas

PhD, rofessor

References

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Published

2023-12-28

How to Cite

Sheseña, A. (2023). Metonyms and Metaphors in Ancient Maya Hieroglyphic Texts. Vestnik of Saint Petersburg University. History, 65(2), 433–447. https://doi.org/10.21638/11701/spbu02.2020.206

Issue

Vol. 65 No. 2 (2020)

Section

World History

License

Articles of "Vestnik of Saint Petersburg University. History" are open access distributed under the terms of the License Agreement with Saint Petersburg State University, which permits to the authors unrestricted distribution and self-archiving free of charge.