| dc.description.abstract | This study is an investigation of sense relations in the lexicon of Dholuo using lexical pragmatic theory. It focuses on the distinctive characteristics and sources of sense relations in Dholuo. The study investigated the role of context in understanding sense relations and the extent to which meaning is measured through lexical pragmatic processes. The lexical pragmatic theory as propounded by Blutner (1990) and later developed by Wilson (2003) is used as a model for representing concepts. This model analyses meaning through context and hence is an effective tool for concept representation.
In chapter one, the background to the study is given and the statement of the problem, objectives and hypothesis of the study stated. The theoretical framework on which the study is based is illustrated, the rationale, scope and limitation, the literature review, research methodology and the significance of the study. Chapter two focuses on the analysis of synonyms in Dholuo. There is a description of synonymy in relation to formality, dialectal variations, attitude and borrowing. The degrees of synonymy in the language are also shown.
Chapter three describes the homonyms in Dholuo. The chapter discusses homonyms and grammatical categories. It also explores the absence of homophones in the language. In chapter four, an analysis of polysemy is done. A description is given of polysemy arising due to shift in application, metaphorical extension, and register. Chapter five discusses the interpretation of the lexical pragmatics theory. Narrowing and broadening processes are used in the analysis of the various sense relations in the preceding chapters.
Chapter six gives a summary of the findings of the study and draws conclusions from the research findings. The chapter ends by indicating aspects of this study which require further investigation. | en_US |
