The form and function of figure of speech in folksongs: a study of Langi marriage folksongs

Abstract

This study was based in Lira district, Lango sub-region in Northern Uganda. The study digs out the origin of the Langi people, their cultural practices, political organization and religious belief. They believed in the spirit called “Jok”. Traditionally, Langi treasured marriage so much in that, for a man to marry, he must bring fourteen heads of cattle, goats, hoes and many other goods that they treasure. The most commonly treasured type marriage was monogamy. Polygamy was allowed only in a situation where the woman is believed to be barren or ill mannered. Literature scholars paid much attention to written literature ignoring oral literature which is part of our daily lives. This is because they took at it to be the literature for uneducated. This study will look at folksongs particularly marriage folksongs among the Langi people and how figure of speech has been used in them.