Problem : Direct translation

Similarities meaning is cross linguistic Literal and figurative

E.g: words and phrases referring to bodily knowledge

can be used to convey mental or abstract meanings in different language. English : kind-hearted, big-mouthed, turning a blind eye to something Malay : lembut hati, berat mulut, makan angin In both languages, speakers use figurative language using the human body to evaluate various social phenomenon- using senses

Differences languages reflect different Danesi(1994) different

underlying conceptualizations May be a problem when the differences between figurative expressions differ in linguistic rather than conceptual. Type 1 : Same concept, equivalent linguistic expression
To look down ones nose Hidung tinggi
Type 2: Same concept, different linguistic expression

Big-mouthed Mulut tempayan

Differences
Type 3: Different concept.
In English, conceptually, wind is used as metaphor for fear while in English wind is used as metaphor for anger

Put the wind up Angin-angin

Type 4 : Words and expressions with same literal meaning

but different metaphorical meanings. An arm and a leg Kakitangan

Assumptions
*Figurative expressions with equivalent conceptual basis and linguistic form are the easiest *Most difficult: 1) different conceptual basis and different linguistic form 2) culture specific - use L1 basis when interpreting unfamiliar L2 figurative language *Problems occur when students are using direct translation while learning idiomatic and figurative expressions