Syntactic Influences on Processing of Metaphors and Literal Equivalents

The research reported in this thesis was supported by the University of Kansas General Research Fund. My tenure at KU has been, among other things, laborious and tedious, and I have struggled with anxiety, stress, and a bevy of people who have not made my visit here extremely pleasant, but all in all, worthwhile and informative. In spite of the influence this program has had on my personal development, there are people to whom I am indebted for both personal and academic reasons. First, I would like to recognize my committee. My advisor, Susan Kemper, has freely given advice and information, supported me monetarily, and supplied me with revisions of my thesis which have added immeasurably to the readability and clarity of the text; for this, I am in her debt. Ed Martin has fed me beer and Wild Turkey, along with much good-natured B.S., all of which I have gladly taken. His practical insights regarding data analysis and interpretation of results, as well as his philosophy of why we do these things in the first place, has aided me greatly. Also, his course on the analysis of categorical data has been, without a doubt, the most outstanding course I have taken at KU. He has been a friend and supporter of the student, and for that I am grateful. I would also like to thank Dave Thissen for taking the time out of his busy schedule to serve on my committee, and for his valuable advice regarding the data analysis and results interpretation. Finally, I must thank George Kellas, who has been a pain in the ass sufficient enough to convince me that possession of a Ph.D. is by no means a guarantee of personal salvation or success. His endless polemics regarding my dedication to this program have hastened my departure from KU, and also, most likely, saved my marriage and my self-identity. Thank you, George. There have been a number of people who have made an unbearable situation slightly more palatable. Namely, the Y-ball softball team, through their comraderie and friendship, have helped me retain my self-identity and pride. Mike Granaas has been my good friend, drinking buddy, and consultant; he has fed me beer, regaled me in hunting tales of the Great White North, and kept me from throttling the faculty. I would also like to thank Ric Ferraro, Scott Trast, Doug Curtright, Tracy Dethloff, Priscilla Hancock, Tim and Marsha McKay, Keri Kinniard, my fellow Rod and Gun Club members, Ed Wike, and everyone I've ejected from the numerous baseball, softball, and basketball games I've worked in the past two years: they have all contributed to my well-being in one way or another. Finally, I must recognize those who are closest to me and have followed my trials and tribulations the closest. The past two-and-a-half years have been tough on my family. I thank my mother, who has supported me in everything I have done and trusted my judgment, my grandmother, who sent all the cookies, my Aunt Betty, who has endorsed my adventures in higher education since I can remember, as well as my brothers, who have shown what can happen to one without (or even with) an advanced degree. The single most powerful force in my life, my wife Sue, has been the enduring reason I have stayed here to complete this degree. She has soothed me, suffered with me, kicked me in the behind when necessary, and given me perspective from the "real world". With all my love, I dedicate this work to her. In closing, I am reminded of the words of Joseph Conrad in his existential classic, The Heart of Darkness; when the main character, Kurtz, is confronted by death in the darkness and mystery of the Congo, be utters those words which have so poignantly described my foray into the world of academics: "The horror! The horror!" J.W.H. December, 1985

Author dc:creator

• Hine, Jeffrey W.

Statement dc:rights

• This item is protected by copyright and unless otherwise specified the copyright of this thesis/dissertation is held by the author.

Handle dc:identifier.uri

https://hdl.handle.net/1808/38044

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:kuscholarworks.ku.edu:1808/38044