Binominal Constructions with Metaphorical Classifiers in the Semantic Domain of Nature

The present study aims at providing a comprehensive overview and a general theoretical framework for the research of binominal constructions of the kind [N1 of N2], where N1 belongs to the semantic domain of nature, e.g. a river of problems. Adopting a multifunctional perspective and a “classifier-like” approach towards N1s, our main objective is to develop a functional-cognitive frame which enables to describe and explain crucial mechanisms underlying the emergence and functioning of such complex metaphorical expressions. The following issues will be discussed in detail: (i) metaphors in the semantic domain of nature, (ii) the process of metaphorization and semantic mapping in the binominal constructions and (iii) the co-semiosis between N1 and N2 and the co-determination of the binominal meaning by contextual information. The theoretical discussion is supported by real examples of use from Slavic (mainly Polish and Russian) and other Indo-European (mainly Italian and English) languages.