Metaphor and meaning in selected Runyankore proverbs.

Abstract

This research lays down to examine the metaphor and meaning in selected Runyakole proverbs among the Ankole community. It strives to identify, elaborate, analyze and archive proverbs which eventuate and betide in not only Ankole community but also several tribes as far as heterogeneity and multiplicity of tribe in Uganda is concerned. This study focused on observation and documentary analysis to arrive to the conclusions made. The findings of the study were to prove that metaphor is significant in the meaning and development in the Ankole proverbs. It is good to note that the Ankole proverb are built on many devices like irony, hyperbole, imagery, and symbolism, among others, but the study of this thesis concludes that all these styles are contained in elements of metaphor expressions because most of the proverbs in Ankole seemed to elicit different forms of metaphor and thus enabling the audience to draw conclusions through critically reasoning the intended opposite expected outcome of what is told that enables them understand different meanings of different proverbs. The study concludes that the metaphorical intenses elicited in the proverbs play a didactic role in the development of meaning in the proverbs and thus enhancing the people's critical thinking, knowledge of their society, smooth expressive capability and above all a peaceful living in the community.