Abstract:

This study was carried out to put forward teacher candidates' thoughts towards "village" concept to describe with the help of metaphors in order to uncover the perceptions that have been made.   Phenomenography design was used in the study and the data were analyzed by content analysis techniques. The research was carried out in 2012 - 2013 academic year including 216 teacher candidates in Denizli Province. Teacher candidates have produced 40 different metaphors on the concept of ‘’village''. Considering the common features of these metaphors were collected in five different categories. The research aimed to answer the following questions: (a) Which metaphors were used by the teacher candidates  to explain the concept of ''village'' ? (b) Given the common characteristics of the "village" concept under which groups can be classified for the metaphors? As a result, students in general'' village'' concept; Alliance - Draw a sense of intense human relationships and traditions - traditions in the forefront as a venue, healthy, peaceful and natural life, low-income and underprivileged, emigration as a place and natural food sources there are plenty of a place where they perceive as has been seen. As a result metaphors can be used as a significant research tool to describe the concept of “village” in understanding related perceptions. Key words: Metaphor, Teacher Candidates, Village

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