Functions of Metaphors in “Deaw 13” Performance (13th Stand-Up Comedy)

Abstract

This research aimed to analyze the metaphors and their functions in Udom Taepanich’s 13th stand-up comedy performance, using the metaphor function framework proposed by Goatly (1998). The data were collected from a 2-hour-and-52-minute performance available on Netflix. The study found that the functions of the metaphors identified were categorized into four roles: ideational function, interpersonal and ideational function, interpersonal function, and textual function. It was found that the metaphors often served more than one function simultaneously. Among these, the interpersonal-and-ideational function and the interpersonal function played a crucial role in creating humor, satire, and irony regarding social issues-key features of this stand-up comedy. The findings also indicated that metaphors did not merely convey abstract concepts, but also facilitated the interaction between the performer and the audience, as well as contributed to textual coherence within the performance segments.