The Interpretation of Gikuyu Idiomatic Expressions: a Cognitive Approach

Abstract

The study is an investigation of the interpretation of selected Gĩkũyũ idiomatic expressions. It examines the Gĩkũyũ idioms with a view to determining the contribution made by the individual words that constitute the idioms and their importance in their figurative interpretation. The study uses the Conceptual Metaphor Theory as a theoretical framework. Metaphors play a major role in the idiomatic interpretation. Lakoff &Johnson (1980:5) came up with the idea of Conceptual mapping whereby the bridging is done on the metaphor. The study has been divided into five chapters. Chapter one captures the general information of the study which is background to the language, statement of the problem, objectives, hypotheses, rationale of the study, scope and limitations, theoretical framework, literature review, research methodology and the significance of the study. Chapter two explores the general information on idioms, that is, definition, properties, characteristics and classification. In chapter three, classification of selected Gĩkũyũ idiomatic expressions is done on the basis of plausible domains. The metaphorical element in the Gĩkũyũ idioms is also discussed. Chapter four discusses the application of the the theory on Gĩkũyũ idioms where mapping is done on the metaphor. Finally, chapter five gives a brief summary of the research findings and conclusions by relating the findings to the research objectives and hypotheses. Recommendations are also presented in the chapter.