Embodied metaphors in Russian: a corpus-based extension to <i>Conceptual Metaphor Theory</i>

Abstract The present corpus-based study of 1,247 Russian metaphorical expressions extends Conceptual Metaphor Theory by specifying how different dimensions of embodiment contribute to metaphorical grounding. Drawing on construction grammar and embodied cognition research, I develop a multidimensional annotation scheme distinguishing sensorimotor, proprioceptive, interoceptive , and motor embodiment . Analysis reveals systematic patterns: ontological metaphors associate strongly with tactile embodiment (42.6 %) and nominal constructions (63.7 %); orientational metaphors align predominantly with proprioceptive embodiment (68.2 %) and prepositional phrases (38.6 %); structural metaphors favor verbal constructions (48.6 %) with balanced embodiment profiles; primary metaphors show strong interoceptive and motor grounding (64.4 % combined). Chi-square tests confirm highly significant associations (χ 2 = 547.23, p < 0.001, Cramér’s V = 0.42). These findings demonstrate that embodiment operates through multiple distinct channels rather than as a unified grounding mechanism, offering a more fine-grained specification of how bodily experience structures metaphorical thought.