A Cognitive Semantic Analysis of Metaphors and Metonyms: a Case Study of Gikuyu “ngurario” Ceremony

Abstract

This study looks at language used in the Ngurario ceremony and specifically looks at the two figures of speech that is, metaphors and metonyms in regard to cognitive semantics by use of frames theory. Metaphors involve a stand for or representation of one entity to another while metonyms are basically referential. The objectives of this study were: To identify metaphors and metonyms in the Gikuyu Ngurario ceremonies, to classify the metaphors and metonyms and to find out the cultural reasons for using metaphors and metonyms. Metaphors and metonyms are pervasive in everyday life and their meanings can be developed from the mind. There are reasons why communities decide to use them for examples, cultural reasons. The data for this study was collected from the Ngurario ceremonies in the Kiambu County. The process of data collection involved the researcher attending a Ngurario ceremony and also using media, that is watching a program in Kameme TV called “Thandi cia Wendo”. Metaphors and metonyms were identified and classified as follows: Characteristics of the bride and the bridegroom, symbolism, behavior, human characteristics e.t.c. Data was analyzed by use of frames which were being evoked from the utterances spoken and produced. The study also established that culture is a web that has been created by man so as to fit him on how he should act, behave and relate with others, thus identified the cultural reasons for using metaphors and metonyms in the Ngurario ceremonies. The cultural reasons identified were: Cultural attitudes towards gender names, religious cultural practice, farming culture and euphemism among others. The findings of the study show that the Ngurario ceremony is highly metonymical and metaphorical. They also show that the shared cultural practices among the Kikuyu community contributes highly in the usage of the two figures of speech and that there can never be a Ngurario ceremony without them. These findings are presented in the last chapter, chapter 5, together with recommendations for further study.