Matumizi ya Kinaya Katika Ushairi wa Kithaka wa Mberia

Abstract

This research aims to investigate the use of irony in Kithaka wa Mberia's Kiswahili poetry. The specific objectives of the research are: To illustrate the reason for using irony of sarcasm in Kithaka wa Mberia's poetry, to demonstrate how irony of sarcasm has been used, the role of irony of sarcasm as a stylistic device in poetic compositions The research will use the tenets of the stylistic theory by Leech (1969). The theory postulates that language is an important tool in understanding the message in poems. To achieve this aim, the researcher will use purposive sampling to select poems with various ironic styles from four poetic books of Kithaka wa Mberia namely: Mchezo wa Karata (1997), Bara Jingine (2001), Radio na Mwezi(2005) and Msimu wa Tisa (2007). Data will be collected in the library and analysed descriptively in line with the objectives, research questions will be guided by the relevant tenets of the theory underguarding the study. Findings will be presented descriptively in five chapters. The first chapter will involve: the introduction, statement of the problem, scope, literature review and theoretical framework. Chapter two will investigate the irony of sarcasm in relation to political issues. Chapter three will involve irony of sarcasm in connection with economic issues. Chapter four will involve irony of sarcasm in relating to social issues. Chapter five will encompass the following: summary, conclusion and recommendations. This research is intended to benefit learners, teachers, critics and composers of Swahili poetry as pertains to paying keen attention to irony as a stylistic device in poetic compositions.