ABSTRACT Metaphors are linguistically dense images that transfer terms from their original usage to a different context and describe actions and objects beyond their literal meaning. This article uses Rudolf Schmitt’s metaphor analysis (2017) to gain insight into the experiences of the so-called GDR children of Namibia. This term refers to a group of approximately 430 people who, as part of a solidarity project between the South West Africa People’s Organisation (SWAPO) and the German Democratic Republic (GDR), were brought to the GDR between 1979 and 1989 to be trained as the elite for a future liberated Namibia. They grew up and attended school in the GDR until they were returned to Namibia in August 1990. Based on narrative interviews, we use metaphor analysis to show how the now-adult ‘GDR children’ experienced their lives between different national contexts. The interviewees talk about their collective education, feelings of heteronomy and the family bond that existed among the children themselves and between the children and their care staff. The metaphors they use underline the uniqueness of their upbringing.

中文翻译：

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“纳米比亚东德儿童”传记中的隐喻分析

摘要 隐喻是语言密集的图像，将术语从其原始用法转移到不同的上下文，并描述超出其字面意义的行为和对象。本文使用鲁道夫·施密特 (Rudolf Schmitt) 的隐喻分析 (2017) 来深入了解纳米比亚所谓的东德儿童的经历。该术语指的是大约 430 人的团体，他们作为西南非洲人民组织 (SWAPO) 和德意志民主共和国 (GDR) 之间团结项目的一部分，于 1979 年至 1989 年期间被带到东德接受培训，成为未来解放纳米比亚的精英。他们在东德长大并上学，直到 1990 年 8 月返回纳米比亚。我们使用比喻分析来展示现在已经成年的“东德儿童”如何在不同的国家背景下体验他们的生活。受访者谈论了他们的集体教育、他律的感受以及存在于孩子们之间以及孩子们与他们的护理人员之间的家庭纽带。他们使用的比喻强调了他们成长经历的独特性。