Author’s name:
Natalia Yu. Shnyakina – Omsk State Pedagogical University, Omsk, Russia
Abstract:
The necessity for individuals to adapt to modern living conditions has led to the emergence of diverse communication forms, among which the innovative educational practice of coaching has gained particular prominence. Over the past decades, coaching has proven to be an effective tool for fostering personal growth and harmonious self-development. The coaching approach is widely employed as a key motivational strategy in professional, educational, and interpersonal contexts, as well as in self-improvement practices. Metaphor, as an indispensable device in motivational discourse, holds significant cognitive and didactic potential: on the one hand, it enables individuals to conceptualize reality, while on the other, it enhances clarity in explaining complex concepts and ideas. The deliberate use of specific metaphorical models in coaching allows practitioners to create a persuasive and engaging communicative framework. This study examines the metaphorical model “SPORTS,” analyzing German-language articles on personal development to identify systematic correlations between the source domain of sports and the target domain of individual growth. The relevance of the research lies in that it addresses the need to explore linguistic means of motivation, thereby contributing to a deeper understanding of how metaphorical models function within coaching strategies and enhancing coaching methodologies overall. Employing the method of metaphorical modeling — which involves identifying salient combinations of significative and denotative descriptors — the study elucidates how segments of the target domain are profiled through sport-related terminology. Findings demonstrate that the “SPORTS” model effectively conceptualizes the volitional efforts required for personal development, including resilience in overcoming external challenges and internal psychological barriers, as well as autonomy in decision-making and strategy application. In terms of theoretical and practical implications, the study advances conceptual metaphor theory by offering a systematic analysis of domain mapping. Its practical applications extend to discourse studies, communication sciences, cognitive linguistics, and the design of coaching training materials.
| Section | LANGUAGE AND CULTURE |
| DOI: | 10.47388/2072-3490/lunn2025-70-2-33-45 |
| Downloads | 10 |
| Key words | discursive practice; personal development; metaphorics of discourse; metaphorical model “SPORTS”; motivational discourse; practical coaching |