Conclusions

Abstract

As discussed in the preceding chapters, iconicity and metaphor are indeed the motivating force not only in the creation and interpretation of meaning in spoken and written texts but also in the evolution of new communication media, which the twenty-first century is to witness. I would like to conclude this study with a summary of my main claims, which generally support Fónagy’s insightful statement (1999: 29), and a presentation of a few further research issues.

Iconicity plays a fundamental role in verbal and mental evolution, in transforming antiquated beliefs into verbal categories; it is most adequate to convey with precision mental contents of high complexity.

Ivan Fónagy (1999)