this model hypothesize that context determines which meaning will be accessed (the literal or the metaphorical one) and the metaphorical meaning is directly accessed when relevant to a given context.

DePaul University

Here are three general categories of hypotheses advanced to explain the underlying cognitive mechanisms:
1. The serial/hierarchical model
2.The parallel/direct processing model
3. The context-dependent model

Hypotheses of underlying mechanisms

This model hypothesize that individuals activate the metaphorical meaning of a sentence after having activated its literal meaning

The serial/hierarchical model

This model hypothesize that the processing of metaphorical and literal meaning takes place simultaneously, since the metaphor is understood directly without having to pass through the literal level.

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