Kewa figures of speech
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Karl J. Franklin
Abstract
In this paper I describe how the Kewa people use figures of speech, particularly idioms and metaphors, often coding them as implied information or implicatures in their “veiled” or “hidden” language. In presenting this work, I have benefitted from the theoretical framework of cognitive linguistics (Lakoff 1987; Lakoff and Johnson 1980; Lakoff and Turner 1989; Kövecses 2000; 2002, 2006; as well as the etic and emic insights of Pike 1967; 1982). I demonstrate how Kewa speakers code their figures of speech in aphorisms or maxims, often signaling warnings and instructions. The study demonstrates that cultural codes, situated pragmatically, are foundational in interpreting the Kewa figures of speech and confirms that “culture and cognition are inextricably fused” (Kövecses 2006: 271).
Abstract
In this paper I describe how the Kewa people use figures of speech, particularly idioms and metaphors, often coding them as implied information or implicatures in their “veiled” or “hidden” language. In presenting this work, I have benefitted from the theoretical framework of cognitive linguistics (Lakoff 1987; Lakoff and Johnson 1980; Lakoff and Turner 1989; Kövecses 2000; 2002, 2006; as well as the etic and emic insights of Pike 1967; 1982). I demonstrate how Kewa speakers code their figures of speech in aphorisms or maxims, often signaling warnings and instructions. The study demonstrates that cultural codes, situated pragmatically, are foundational in interpreting the Kewa figures of speech and confirms that “culture and cognition are inextricably fused” (Kövecses 2006: 271).
Chapters in this book
- Prelim pages i
- Table of contents v
- Prologue 1
- Endangered metaphors 15
- “Our language is very literal” 21
- “My heart falls out” 77
- Walking like a porcupine, talking like a raven 103
- Are Nahuatl riddles endangered conceptualizations? 123
- Bodily-based conceptual metaphors in Ashéninka Perené myths and folk stories 145
- The use of a conceptual metaphor in the Siroi language of Papua New Guinea 161
- Kewa figures of speech 185
- Metaphors in Dimasa and Rabha – A comparative study 205
- Numbers that Chumburung people count on 221
- The importance of unveiling conceptual metaphors in a minority language 253
- Antlers as a metaphor of pride 275
- Metaphors of the Finnish Roma in Finnish and Romani 293
- “Bhio’ tu dìreach ga ithe, bha e cho math = You would just eat it, it was so good” 315
- Metaphors of an endangered Low Saxon basis dialect – exemplified by idioms of STUPIDITY and DEATH 339
- Index of conceptual metaphors/metonymies 359
- Name index 361
- Subject index 365
Chapters in this book
- Prelim pages i
- Table of contents v
- Prologue 1
- Endangered metaphors 15
- “Our language is very literal” 21
- “My heart falls out” 77
- Walking like a porcupine, talking like a raven 103
- Are Nahuatl riddles endangered conceptualizations? 123
- Bodily-based conceptual metaphors in Ashéninka Perené myths and folk stories 145
- The use of a conceptual metaphor in the Siroi language of Papua New Guinea 161
- Kewa figures of speech 185
- Metaphors in Dimasa and Rabha – A comparative study 205
- Numbers that Chumburung people count on 221
- The importance of unveiling conceptual metaphors in a minority language 253
- Antlers as a metaphor of pride 275
- Metaphors of the Finnish Roma in Finnish and Romani 293
- “Bhio’ tu dìreach ga ithe, bha e cho math = You would just eat it, it was so good” 315
- Metaphors of an endangered Low Saxon basis dialect – exemplified by idioms of STUPIDITY and DEATH 339
- Index of conceptual metaphors/metonymies 359
- Name index 361
- Subject index 365
