Since sign language uses a visual and gestural mode it has more restrictions in designating concepts compared to spoken language, which uses an auditory-vocal mode. Therefore, sign language is prone to using more metaphorical and metonymical expressions. Since Lakoff and Johnson (1980), many researchers have paid great attention to the observation of the metaphorical and metonymical expressions in various spoken languages. However, the same phenomena have not been thoroughly explored in sign languages, in spite of the fact that sign language frequently employs metaphor and metonymy even in basic words. This paper observes the types of metaphor and metonymy that are used in the adjectives of Korean Sign Language. Because of the arbitrary relation of form and meaning in spoken language, metaphor and metonymy cannot be found in morphologically simple words in spoken language. However, in sign language, metaphor and metonymy are widespread phenomena even in morphologically simple words.

• 최영주(조선대학교)