The form and function of symbolism in the use of proverbial expressions: a study of selected proverbs of Lango

Abstract

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