A study in the significance of figures of speech in folktales: the case of selected folktales of the Sabiny

Abstract

This research analyses the significance of figures of speech in the selected Sabiny folktales. Chapter One gives the overview of the study that captures Introduction, background of the study, methodology and this includes the use of Question and Answer, Observation and Sampling, problem statement, and the review of related literature. Chapter Two of the study provides an Introduction and Conclusion of the selected Sabiny folktales and their significance of figures of speech in the folktale of Sumotwo and Yapchebet, the hunter and the Hyena, Chemusob and the Monster, the Woman and the Dragon, Chapter three further entails the folktale of Chetutu and Python, the Farmer and his Sons, Chekwech and Chesuro, Fox and Somikwo, and lastly chapter four has the folktale of Belittled Woman, Sarah and the Clan, Beautiful girl, The Wasps and the Farmer. The study explores the different figures of speech in the selected Sabiny Folktales and their significances.for example,the use of symbolism in the folktale of the Fox and Somikwowhere the “Hot Water” symbolises marriage, therefore this brings in the sense that hot water initiates marriage or for the Fox to marry the daughter of Somikwo, he must go through challenges to prove him as a strong man.Also, in the folktale of Chetutu and the python, Irony is evident whereby the Python acts to be welcoming and hospitable and again decides to eat Chetutu thus brings out the theme of Death in the folktale as well as the lesson that ‘not everyone who puts on the smile is welcoming’. The research concludes that the significance of figures of speech in selected Sabiny Folktales contains many literary devices such as irony, symbolism, hyperbole, Imagery (visual. Motile, gustatory, tactile among other), exaggeration. Sarcasm, Satire among others.