Use of figurative language in okot p’bitek’s song of lawino: a relevance theoretic approach
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Date
2013Author
Nyang’acha, Daniel K
Type
ThesisLanguage
enMetadata
Show full item recordAbstract
In this study, the relationship between linguistics and literature is highlighted. The study
provides some differences, and similarities between linguistics and literature. Two theories of
pragmatics (relevance theory, advanced by Sperber & Wilson, and lexical pragmatics, advanced
by Blutner) are reviewed. The figures of speech used in Song of Lawino are identified,
described, and analyzed from a linguistic point of view. The major aim of this study is to use the
analytic tools of relevance theory to explain how Lawino’s audience understands her figurative
use of Language in Okot p’Bitek’s Song of Lawino. The study aims at demonstrating how a
reader with the presupposed cultural background will understand Okot p’Bitek’s use of
figurative language.
This project is organized into five chapters. Chapter one provides an introduction to the study. It
provides: assumptions, operational definitions of key terms, the statement of the problem,
objectives, hypotheses, significance, scope and limitations, theoretical framework, literature
review, and research methodology. Chapter two presents the different kinds of figures of speech
identified in Song of Lawino.
Chapter three analyses the figures of speech identified within the parameters of relevance
theory. It demonstrates how the writer’s intended audience understands the figures of speech
identified using the principles of lexical pragmatics which are supported by relevance theory.
Chapter four provides the findings of the study. It is revealed that the context plays a crucial
role in the interpretation of the writer’s encoded message. The audience considers hypotheses
about the writer’s meaning in the process of the search for relevance. The hypothesis that
satisfies the reader’s expectations of relevance is therefore assumed to be the writer’s intended
meaning. Chapter five provides the summary, conclusion, and recommendations.
Citation
Degree of Master of ArtsPublisher
University of Nairobi Department of linguistics and languages
Description
A project submitted in partial fulfillment of the
requirements for the degree of masters of arts of the
university of Nairobi, department of linguistics and
languages