ASSOCIATIVE-METAPHORICAL MOTIVATION OF FOOTBALL TERMS IN GERMAN

The article explores the associative-metaphorical motivation of football terms in the German language, which is based on conceptual metaphor and cognitive integration processes. It has been found that German football terminology actively employs metaphorical models from various donor spheres, including WAR, THEATER, POLITICS, CHURCH, HUMAN, and ARTIFACT. The use of elements from these conceptual spheres is related to the cognitive analogization of football actions, game scenarios, and social processes. The metaphorization of football terms occurs through mechanisms of structural-metaphorical, diffuse-metaphorical, and gestalt motivation. In particular, the WAR sphere actively enriches the football terminology system with terms that reflect the struggle for victory (Abwehr, Angriff, Bombe, Bomber). These terms demonstrate the perception of football as a form of combat, where teams act as opposing forces. The donor sphere of THEATER defines the spectacular aspect of football, forming terms such as Arena, Debut, and Regisseur, which emphasize the dramatic nature of the game, the role of players as performers, and coaches as directors of the football spectacle. In its turn, the POLITICS sphere contributes to the creation of names for the organizational structures of football (Präsident, Präsidium, Kommission), demonstrating parallels between political administration and football management. Similarly, the CHURCH sphere generates terms that denote the special mission of players (Aufgebot, Spiritus rector), emphasizing their role in shaping team spirit. Additionally, a significant number of terms are borrowed from everyday life spheres, such as HUMAN (Abstauber, Schütze, Ausputzer) and ARTIFACT (Hammer, Kerze), reflecting the practical perception of football reality through the lens of everyday experience. Overall, associative-metaphorical motivation plays a crucial role in enriching German football terminology, enhancing its imagery and conceptual depth. The use of conceptual metaphors not only conveys the meaning of sporting events but also reflects the sociocultural characteristics of the linguistic worldview of German speakers. Thus, football terminology is not merely a set of professional terms but a complex cognitive phenomenon that embodies worldview, emotions, and the symbolic interpretation of sports in German society.