BODY LANGUAGE METAPHORS ACCORDING TO PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHER CANDIDATES' PERCEPTIONS

Abstract

The aim of this research is to reveal the mental images of the pre-service primary school teachers about the concept of "body language" through metaphors. Phenomenology was used in qualitative research methods to reveal the metaphorical perceptions of primary school teacher candidates about the concept of body language. The study group of the research consisted of 30 prospective primary school teachers who took the effective communication course. Participants produced 30 metaphors. 29 metaphors were evaluated. The "content analysis" technique was used in the evaluation of the research data. As a result of the analysis of 29 metaphors, 6 categories emerged. These categories are; "Body language makes communication effective", "Body language is indispensable for communication", "Body language gives a deeper meaning to communication", "Body language reflects facts", "Body language facilitates communication" and "Correct use of body language". Most metaphors are in the categories of  "Body language is an indispensable part of communication" and "Body language reflects reality". As a result of the research, the most produced metaphor was "Mirror".