An exploration on the use parallelism in selected Lango proverbs.
Abstract
This study endeavors to investigate the different forms of parallelism in Lango proverbs. The main focus is on how parallelism contributes to the enhancement of beauty and the development of meaning in Lango proverbs. Among the different forms of parallelism studied in the thesis are; Asyndeton, antithetic (antithesis), chiastic (chiasmus), synonymic (synonymia), anaphoric (anaphora) and repetitive parallelism. Worth noticing is that parallelism comes through repetition of words and phrases to make other important messages outstanding. It also uses contrast to create balance and comparison of words and meanings in the proverbs. Synonymia is used to show emphasis and create of beautiful patterns in the proverbs. Some patterns are created through elimination of conjunctions which also creates brevity and rhythm in the proverbs. This study deployed majorly, observation and documentary analysis to arrive at the conclusions made. The study was guided objectives like; the role of parallelism in creating beauty, and developing meaning in Lango proverbs. The findings and analysis of data enable us to realise that many proverbs indeed are built by parallel structures thus, their beauty and meaning are created and developing respectively through parallelism. The findings of this study show that little is known about parallelism among the Lango people despite the fact that they use it frequently. The has therefore, enlightened them on the portrayal and significance of parallelism in improving their perception of the beauty and wisdom embedded in the Lango proverbs. This study concludes that the different forms of parallelism elicited in the proverbs play a didactic role in the development of meaning in the proverbs and thus enhancing critical thinking of the readers. It also develops the knowledge of the Lango people about their society, improves smooth expressive skills and above all promotes a peaceful living in the community. The researcher, recommends that more efforts should be put on oral literature by starting at early levels of education, enforcing sensitization through media houses, and encouraging writing and publications to enhance patriotism. He advises other researches to focus on other areas of studies like use of parallelism in other oral literature forms like songs, riddles among others, as well as exploring other figures of speech in different cultures and Lango ethnic category.