University Metaphors of Turkish Scholars

Abstract

This study aimed at determining Turkish scholars' profiles of metaphor use regarding the metaphor of 'university'. The study was designed in the general survey model. A total of 82 scholars from Turkey participated in the university metaphor study. As the data collection tool, the "Scholars' University Metaphor Questionnaire" developed by the researcher was used. The scholars' university metaphors were examined via 3 research questions. The findings obtained in the study revealed that the academicians participating in the study from Turkey used the metaphors of community, military and world for the metaphor of 'university'. Turkish academicians participating in the study most frequently used the metaphors of community and military and emphasized variety, social leadership, autonomy, cooperation and culture while creating their own metaphors. In addition, depending on these findings, various suggestions were put forward for practice and for future studies.