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In this study, we examine the effects of a cognitive-based instruction and assessment on L2 learners’ metaphoric competence and comprehension and production of complex linguistic constructions in relation to emotion. Within the field of Cognitive Linguistics (CL) applied to the L2 classroom, our empirical study adds to the growing body of research exploring the role of explicitly teaching metaphor in an instructional setting. As a novelty, our study brings together insights from CL and conceptual metaphor theories for the design and implementation of a cognitive-based pedagogy along with a coherent assessment. It also addresses complex metaphorical constructions in Spanish that use vocabulary from physical perception that maps onto vocabulary of the self to express emotions (e.g., tocar fondo). The study follows a pretest/posttest/delayed posttest design for three research conditions (control, cognitive, and traditional). Data collection consists of four tasks measuring general metaphor comprehension and production, as well as target metaphorical constructions comprehension and production. Results of the statistical tests show that after instruction the cognitive group outperforms the traditional in all tasks. These findings reveal that a CL and metaphor-based instruction followed by a coherent assessment becomes a fruitful approach to teaching complex constructions in the L2., Este estudio examina el impacto de una instrucción y evaluación de base cognitiva en la competencia metafórica y en la comprensión y producción de construcciones lingüísticas complejas de la emoción en L2. Dentro del campo de la Lingüística Cognitiva aplicada al aula de L2, nuestro estudio empírico se suma al creciente cuerpo de investigación que explora el papel de la enseñanza explícita de la metáfora en un entorno de instrucción. Como novedad, este aúna ideas de la LC y la teoría conceptual de la metáfora para el diseño e implementación de una pedagogía cognitiva y una evaluación coherente con este enfoque. Asimismo, aborda construcciones metafóricas complejas en español que se usan vocabulario sobre percepciones físicas para expresar emociones (p. ej., tocar fondo). El estudio sigue un diseño pretest/posttest1/postest2 para tres condiciones (control, cognitiva y tradicional). La recogida de datos se compila a través de cuatro tareas que miden la comprensión y producción de metáforas generales, así como la comprensión y la producción de las construcciones metafóricas objeto de estudio. Los resultados de las pruebas estadísticas muestran cómo, tras la instrucción, el grupo cognitivo es superior. Estos resultados revelan los beneficios de una instrucción y evaluación basadas en la concienciación metafórica.

This study explores one of the most important research lines in the field of Applied Linguistics: the teaching and learning of a second language (L2), and more specifically, of L2 Spanish. Spanish is a rapidly growing language, with a user base that has increased to 591 million, 6 million more than in 2020, according to the latest annual El español en el mundo (Instituto Cervantes, 2021). Spanish is thus becoming one of the most in-demand languages and this requires effective teaching. Through the analysis of seven L2 Spanish textbooks, we aim to examine the theoretical approach underlying the explanations of verbs of affection in Spanish (e.g., me fastidia [‘it bothers me’], me encanta [‘I love’]), as this grammatical construction is complex for a non-native speaker. Based on the findings, this investigation endeavors to provide pedagogical illustrations of how cognitive linguistics can be an advantageous method in teaching and learning psych verbs. The results of the study indicate that while all teaching materials are based on the classical communicative paradigm, none of them provide a cognitive perspective for the instruction of psych verbs in the early stages of learning or across the entire spectrum of emotions. This disregard for grammatical meaning and systematic treatment of these linguistic forms results in a reduced focus on their formal aspects, neglecting the changes in meaning that occur based on the focus on the stimulus or experiencer. This approach to teaching emotions grammar is viewed as mechanical and artificial., Este estudio investiga una de las áreas más importantes en el campo de la Lingüística Aplicada: la enseñanza y el aprendizaje de una segunda lengua (L2), específicamente el español L2. El español es un idioma que está experimentando un rápido crecimiento, con una base de usuarios que ha alcanzado los 591 millones, 6 millones más según el último informe “El español en el mundo” del Instituto Cervantes (2021). Esto convierte al español en uno de los idiomas más demandados, lo cual requiere una enseñanza efectiva. Mediante el análisis de siete libros de texto de español L2, pretendemos examinar el enfoque teórico subyacente en las explicaciones de los verbos de afecto en español (por ejemplo, “me fastidia, me encanta”), ya que esta construcción gramatical resulta compleja para un hablante no nativo. Con base en los resultados de la investigación, buscamos proporcionar ejemplos pedagógicos de cómo la lingüística cognitiva puede ser un método ventajoso en la enseñanza y el aprendizaje de los verbos psicológicos. Los resultados del estudio indican que, aunque todos los materiales didácticos se basan en el paradigma comunicativo clásico, ninguno de ellos ofrece una perspectiva cognitiva para la enseñanza de los verbos psicológicos en las etapas iniciales del aprendizaje o en todo el espectro de las emociones. Esta falta de atención al significado gramatical y al tratamiento sistemático de estas formas lingüísticas se refleja en una descuido de sus aspectos formales, dejando de lado los cambios de significado que ocurren al centrarse en el estímulo o el experimentador. Este enfoque de enseñanza resulta limitado y no aborda adecuadamente la riqueza de significados que estas expresiones pueden transmitir.

This study aims to examine the role of metaphor in the process of teaching and learning a second language (L2), more specifically, L2 Spanish. As part of one of the most popular research lines in the field of Ap- plied Linguistics, i.e., L2 teaching and learning, this research is based on a Cognitive Linguistics approach to language. It presents metaphors not as mere stylistic and rhetorical mechanisms, but as critical components of everyday language and fundamental mechanisms of conceptualization of the world (Lakoff & Johnson, 1980). After providing a summary of the literature exploring the relationship between metaphor and L2 pedagogy and learning, focusing on conceptual metaphor theory and metaphorical competence, we will present the results of a case study with intermediate learners. The empirical investigation exam- ines whether their metaphoric competence is enhanced after the intervention and whether there is a relationship between learners’ general metaphorical competence and linguistic competence –comprehension and production– of a complex metaphorical linguistic construction that expresses emotions., This study aims to examine the role of metaphor in the process of teaching and learning a second language (L2), more specifically, L2 Spanish. As part of one of the most popular research lines in the field of Ap- plied Linguistics, i.e., L2 teaching and learning, this research is based on a Cognitive Linguistics approach to language. It presents metaphors not as mere stylistic and rhetorical mechanisms, but as critical components of everyday language and fundamental mechanisms of conceptualization of the world (Lakoff & Johnson, 1980). After providing a summary of the literature exploring the relationship between metaphor and L2 pedagogy and learning, focusing on conceptual metaphor theory and metaphorical competence, we will present the results of a case study with intermediate learners. The empirical investigation exam- ines whether their metaphoric competence is enhanced after the intervention and whether there is a relationship between learners’ general metaphorical competence and linguistic competence –comprehension and production– of a complex metaphorical linguistic construction that expresses emotions.

The world’s languages draw on different reference frames to encode spatial relationships between people, objects or places. We address how subtle differences in reference frame preferences across Spanish and English affect Spanish–English bilinguals’ interpretations of spatial descriptions involving the terms left and right. Bilinguals saw an entity (‘object’; e.g., a vase or a human) with a circle on either side, along with a description of the location of a ball relative to the object (e.g., The ball is to the right of the vase or The ball is on the vase’s right). Their task was to decide which circle indicated the ball’s location. Results showed that syntax and object type contributed differently to bilinguals’ responses: Effects of syntax patterned with Spanish preferences, whereas effects of object type patterned with English preferences. English language exposure subtly affected bilinguals’ response choices. Results are discussed with respect to experience-based theories of language processing., Version of record

The main objective of this didactic unit on The Flower of My Secret by Spanish filmmaker Pedro Almodóvar is to bring the ELE learner closer to the universe of the Manchego director. Furthermore, it aims to enhance the linguistic expression of negative emotions such as loneliness or abandonment in advanced ELE students through this film. Thus, the analysis carried out will allow, on the one hand, to identify and use different ways of expressing the pain of abandonment and other feelings such as loneliness and sadness, valuing intertextuality as a way of expanding the knowledge of the expression of heartbreak., O objetivo principal desta unidade didática sobre A Flor do Meu Segredo, do diretor espanhol Pedro Almodóvar, é aproximar o aluno de ELE ao universo do diretor manchego. Por outro lado, a unidade didática busca promover a expressão linguística de emoções negativas como a solidão ou o abandono em alunos avançados do ELE por meio desse filme. Assim, a unidade realizada permitirá, por um lado, identificar e utilizar diferentes formas de expressar a dor do abandono e outros sentimentos como a solidão e a tristeza, valorizando a intertextualidade como forma de ampliar o conhecimento sobre a expressão do desgosto., La presente unidad didáctica sobre La flor de mi secreto, del director español Pedro Almodóvar, tiene como objetivo fundamental acercar al aprendiente de ELE al universo del director manchego. Asimismo, busca potenciar la expresión lingüística de emociones negativas como la soledad o el abandono en el alumnado avanzado de ELE a través de este filme. Así, el análisis realizado permitirá, por un lado, identificar y utilizar diferentes formas de expresar el dolor por el abandono y otros sentimientos como la soledad y la tristeza, valorando la intertextualidad como una forma de ampliar el conocimiento de la expresión del desamor.

The present didactic proposal of Mujeres al borde de un ataque de nervios, by the Spanish film director Pedro Almodóvar, aims at brining advanced ELE learners to his universe. The analysis will allow to i) understand his vision of the female universe, ii) consider intertextuality as a means to deeply analyse emotions, iii) identify and use different ways of expressing love and lovelessness in Spanish, and iv) know the cultural uses of love relationships in Spain., La presente propuesta didáctica sobre Mujeres al borde de un ataque de nervios, del director español Pedro Almodóvar, tiene como objetivo fundamental acercar al aprendiente avanzado de ELE al universo del director manchego. El análisis realizado permitirá i) entender la visión del universo femenino, ii) valorar la intertextualidad como medio para profundizar en el análisis de emociones, iii) identificar y utilizar diferentes formas de expresar el amor y el desamor en español, y iv) conocer los usos culturales de las relaciones amorosas en España

The present didactic proposal is targeted to C1 and C2 level ELE learners and offers a wide variety of activities integrating the four skills: auditive and written comprehension, and oral and written expression, as well as developing the sociocultural component in the learners. The analysis will thus allow us to, on the one hand, identify Spanish idioms and learn about Spanish traditions, and, on the other hand, better grasp the surrealist movement, observe its impact in Luis Buñuel’s film Tristana, and bring us closer to this Calandino filmmaker in order to understand his vision of the world, La presente propuesta didáctica está pensada para aprendientes de ELE de nivel C1 y C2 y ofrece un amplio número de actividades que pretenden integrar las cuatro destrezas: la comprensión auditiva y escrita y la expresión oral y escrita, así como desarrollar el componente sociocultural en el alumnado. Así, el análisis realizado permitirá, por un lado, identificar expresiones idiomáticas del español y conocer algunas costumbres españolas y, por otro, entender en mayor profundidad el movimiento surrealista, observar su impronta en el film Tristana de Luis Buñuel y acercarnos al universo de este cineasta calandino para comprender su visión del mundo.