Sexual dysphemisms and euphemisms in South Nyanza Dholuo: a cognitive linguistic approach
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Date
2012-04
Authors
Anudo, Cellyne N. A.
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Abstract
The study examined sexual dysphemisms and euphemisms in the Kenyan Dholuo using
Cognitive Linguistics which is based on the experiences of the world and the way people
perceive and conceptualize them. This study had three objectives: to identify and explain
the sex- related dysphemistic words and phrases in Dholuo; to account for the cognitive
processes in the creation of sex- related euphemisms and to discuss the relationship
between age and gender in the usage of euphemisms. To achieve the objectives of the
study, this research used a descriptive design in which the researcher identified the sexrelated
dysphemisms by asking the respondents to name the male and female sexual
organs, sex- related physiological processes associated with both males and females as
well as to describe the instances in which ritual sexual intercourse were performed in the
Luo set- up. In addition, the respondents were asked to give the alternative terms that were
used to refer to the sex- related dysphemistic terms mentioned. The researcher used both
purposive and simple random techniques to obtain a sample of eighteen native Dholuo
speakers for the study (nine were males and the other nine females). The researcher used
811 interview schedule and a tape recorder to collect data which was transcribed,
categorized, quantified and then processed after which suitable methods of statistical
representations were used to display the emergent patterns. The euphemisms collected
were analyzed using Conceptual Integration Theory of Fauconnier and Turner (2002) and
Politeness Theory of Brown and Levinson (1978). Those that were analyzed using the
Conceptual Integration Theory were mapped into the different kinds of conceptual
mappings also known as the mental spaces. The others were analyzed using the positive
politeness strategy, initiated by the proponents of the Politeness Theory. The conceptual
mappings were used to discuss the relationship between gender and age in the usage of
euphemisms in Dholuo. The study found out that the Conceptual Integration Theory
though more advanced than the Conceptual Metaphor Theory of Lakoff and Jolmson
(1980), was not able to analyze all the sex- related euphemisms collected in the study.
Those that it could not cater for were euphemisms unique to the customs and beliefs of the
Luo especially those that dealt with ritual sex in this community. From the findings of this
study, the researcher recommends that an extensive study be carried out on Dholuo
euphemisms in order to come up with a comprehensive data base from which a dictionary
ofDholuo euphemisms which will act as a reference material can be drafted.
Description
Master of Arts, Departments of English Language and linguistics, 276p. April 2012
The PE 1449 .A4
Keywords
English language -- Kenya -- South Nyanza Dholuo -- Dysphemisms, English language -- Kenya -- South Nyanza Dholuo -- Euphemisms, English language -- Terms and phrases, English language -- Kenya -- South Nyanza dholuo -- Jargon