Kim, Ki-tae. 2015. Conceptual metaphors on Oriental medicine. Language Information. Volume 21. 115-138. The purpose of the present study is to explore the range of applicability of conceptual metaphors on biomedicine to the unfolding discourse of KOM. To do so, it introduces the five common conceptual metaphors on biomedicine according to Tajer's list (2012) and reviews criticism levelled at them. The study then turns to the conceptual metaphors on KOM and examines how they manifest in KOM unfolding interactions. The findings can be summarized as follows:
-THE BODY AS A MACHINE?: KOM puts more weight on the WHOLE and INTERCONNECTED rather than on the PART.
-KOM AS WAR?: The metaphor surfaces either intensely militarily or proactively defensively.
-KOM AS ART?: In terms of their expertise, training, collaboration, and creativity, some notable correspondences between KOM doctors and performing artists are identified.
-KOM AS PRIESTHOOD (KOM DOCTOR AS A PRIEST)?: Deeply personal, yet non-biophysical distress are asked and revealed in the discourse of KOM.
-KOM AS A COLLABORATIVE EXPLORATION?: According to one KOM doctor, sharing ki between a doctor and a patient and the latter's trust in the former is important.
Overall, the conceptual metaphors on both medicines are not materialized exactly the same, and thus, their compatibility, transferability, and relevance vary. As a result, the two medicines may be able to communicate with each other better by exploring more conceptual metaphors in unfolding discourse and investigate the range or degree of their compatibility transferability, and relevance. In so doing, the two medicines will be able to help the patient better by illuminating the strengths of both medicines.
Key words: conceptual metaphors, medical metaphors, Korean Oriental medicine, health communication, medical discourse analysis