Using Conceptual Metaphor Theory: a Concept in Cognitive Semantics

Abstract

The study focused on the semantic analysis of verbs in Dholuo metaphors using Conceptual Metaphor Theory: A Concept in Cognitive Semantics. Chapter one is an introductory section which discussed the general background to the language, background to the study, statement of the problem, and the objectives of the research. The chapter also discussed the hypotheses, the rationale, the scope and limitation of the research, the theoretical framework, the literature review; the research methodology and the analysis. Chapter two, introduced verbs in Dholuo metaphors, this is where the data to be analyzed was presented in terms of the categories of verbs used in Dholuo metaphors. These were metaphors based on; verbs of being; verbs of motion; verbs of sensory motor skills; verbs of actions; and verbs of state. Chapter three analyzed the data according to the VIew categories in Dholuo metaphors. It helped to learn the non-literal use of verbs in the metaphors. The analysis was in line with the objectives which had been set in chapter one. It is also imperative that it is in this chapter that some observations were made which were discussed in chapter four. Such observations were in line with the Conceptual Metaphors Theory. Chapter four discussed the finding which arose during the analysis. The observations were; the transfer of features form one domain to another which is unidirectional, the use of different domains which allowed for inferences, the systems in metaphors, the motivation for target and source, the other underlying theories, the constrained use of mappings, comprehension of one concept in terms of another, while the other aspect is hidden. Finally, chapter five was the conclusions of the findings of the study and the recommendations for future research in relation to the study