Abstract
This chapter examines and describes the semantic functions of metaphor in Ọrọ (New Benue-Congo) riddles. Data for the study were collected through participants’ observation method and oral interviews from respondents using video camera and other recording tools, including extracts from an ongoing research work on Ọrọ oral literature. Furthermore, the (Charteris-Black, Corpus Approaches to Critical Metaphor Analysis, Palgrave Macmillan, 2004; Charteris-Black, J. 2011. Politicians and rhetoric.2nd edn. England: Palgrave Macmillan;)) Critical metaphor analysis and Cognitive semantics was adopted as theoretical framework for analysis. Results show that metaphors are deployed in Ọrọ riddles to exemplify realities and as such they contain knowledgeable dynamics capable of challenging understanding presented through metaphoric representations and possible interpretations of such expressions. Symbols, images, puzzle, arguments, reasoning, thoughts in metaphoric representations are capable of shaping contemporary world view; pointing out and addressing various fundamental challenges of humanity. We conclude that metaphoric expressions represent our world through language utterances and imageries, rooted in themes which carry the meanings of these expressions.
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Willie, W.U., Isong, M.B. (2022). The Metaphor of Ọrọ Riddles. In: Ekpenyong, M.E., Udoh, I.I. (eds) Current Issues in Descriptive Linguistics and Digital Humanities. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-19-2932-8_20
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