dc.description.abstract | This project presented a linguistic study on the lexical items used in selected Bukusu
circumcision songs. The study sought to find out how these lexical items portray men and
women. The selected songs mainly used figurative language in communicating their message.
Chapter one provides the introduction, the background to the study, the background to the
language, statement of the problem, objectives and hypotheses, scope and limitations, theoretical
framework, literature review and methodology. Chapter two discussed the linguistic strategies
used by singers in portraying men and women. The chapter discussed strategies like the use of
tabooed words and euphemism. It also discussed the various figurative elements which include
metaphors, symbolism and irony. Chapter three focused on how men and women have been
portrayed in selected Bukusu circumcision songs. The chapter carefully and selectively discussed
a whole range of figurative language used in selected songs. The figurative language used is
borrowed from different areas of experience. The study found that singers in selected Bukusu
circumcision songs use euphemistic and appealing lexical items when referring to men and
denigrating and sharp edged descriptions when referring to women. To help in analyzing the
lexical items, chapter four made use of the lexical pragmatic approach rounded in relevance
theory. The selection of the theory based on the understanding that context takes a major role in
determining the intention of the singers in the songs. The chapter examined the meanings of
several lexical items used figuratively in selected songs. By using the lexical pragmatic
approach, the study attempted to determine the intention of the singers (speakers) in using
different figurative language. The findings show that the lexical items used in selected songs are
a transfer of meaning which acquire activation through encyclopedic entries, contextual
implications and pragmatic expectations or principles. Some of the aspects analyzed include
metaphors, symbolism and irony.Finally in chapter five a summary of the findings and
recommendations was presented. The recommendation provides us with a suggestion for further
research. | en_US |