Ewa Biernacka

Profile

In my current research, at the Open University, UK, I analyse metonymy and its interplay with metaphor in discourse (full-time PhD project supervised by Lynne Cameron and Kieran O'Halloran). I apply a combination of discourse analytic and corpus linguistic methods and tools, explore the potential of advanced analytic software for linguistic research, and develop an identification procedure for metonymy in discourse. I think my project has implications for other domains of research as the subject matter of my focus group data reflects real-world issues. Previously I worked in a large metaphor project at the VU University Amsterdam, Netherlands, "Metaphor in discourse: linguistic forms, conceptual structures, and cognitive representations". Qualifications: BA & MA in English Linguistics (with distinction) Specialisations: Applied Linguistics, Translation Wroclaw University, Poland (1998-2003) Thesis: Irony in conversation towards a cognitive model of irony. Diploma in Translation (Business and Legal English), Postgraduate Translation Studies Wroclaw University, Poland (2002-2003) Research interests: Metaphor and metonymy, discourse analysis, corpus linguistics Teaching interests: I have taught, for several years, Business and Legal English and General English courses to employees of international companies in Wroclaw, Poland. Professional activities: Postgraduate Liaison and Development Officer, Executive Committee of Researching and Applying Metaphor Association Member of Researching and Applying Metaphor Association, since 2006 PAPERS PRESENTED: Biernacka, E. Metonymy and its interplay with metaphor in a focus group discussion about the risk of terrorism. RaAM VIII International Conference on Researching and Applying Metaphor. VU University Amsterdam, the Netherlands, 30 June – 3 July 2010. Biernacka, E. Finding meaning in dynamic contexts: Metonymy and its interplay with metaphor in a focus group discussion about the risk of terrorism. 3rd UK Cognitive Linguistics International University of Hertfordshire, UK, 6 – 8 July 2010. Biernacka, E. Metonymy identification in a focus group discussion. Pragglejaz 9 Workshop, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Milton Keynes, 25-28 June 2008. Biernacka, E. The interplay of metaphor and metonymy in people’s talk about terrorism. RaAM VII International Conference on Researching and Applying Metaphor. University of Extremadura, Spain, 29-31 May 2008. Biernacka, E., Pasma, T., LopezRodriguez, I. "Metaphor, metonymy and personification" Pragglejaz 7 Workshop, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, the Netherlands, 21-24 June 2006. Steen, G.J., Biernacka, E.A., Dorst, A.G., Kaal, A.A., Lopez-Rodriguez, I., and Pasma, T. Colloquium Finding metaphor in natural discourse: Report of applying the Pragglejaz procedure. RaAM VI International Conference on Researching and Applying Metaphor. University of Leeds, UK, April 2006. PUBLICATIONS: Steen, G.J., Biernacka, E.A., Dorst, A.G., Kaal, A.A., Lopez-Rodriguez, I., and Pasma, T. (2010) 'Pragglejaz in practice: Finding metaphorically used words in natural discourse', in G. Low, L. Cameron, A. Deignan, Z. Todd (eds), Researching and Applying Metaphor in the Real World Other: In my free time, I enjoy reading, listening to music (jazz, classical, chill), cooking