Sexual Dysphemisms & Euphemisms in South Nyanza Dholuo: A Cognitive Linguistic Approach

Description

This book establishes the usage and interpretation of sexual dysphemisms and euphemisms in South Nyanza Dholuo, in the domains of birth, death, farming and the construction of homesteads just to mention but a few. It uses a cognitive linguistic approach in exploring some of these terms. The author specifically dwells on this area because of two main reasons. The first is that in most societies, the language of sex is forbidden yet it is so deeply entrenched in the cultural framework of most communities. The second is that sexual euphemisms deserve special attention since they are an important part of the expressive mechanisms of most languages, Dholuo included. The book not only gives background information on the Luo culture making the reader aware of what happens in this society but also analyses the metaphors collected thereby enhancing understanding and appreciation of the language and the history of this community. The author recommends that topics on sexuality and reproduction be enhanced in the school curriculum and where learners are taught in mother tongue the teacher could use a variety of euphemisms provided in this book to address such issues. The findings of this book are very significant not only to advertising agencies but also to medical practitioners and counselors. To the former, it will help them market their goods or products to people from all walks of life. To the latter (medical practitioners and counselors), the information from the findings help in tackling issues on sex education as well as addressing pertinent matters concerning the way people view and talk about sex related infections such as HIV/AIDS. This book is also helpful especially to those that are interested in learning Dholuo as a foreign language because conceptual metaphors are a very useful tool for learners of foreign languages since they could illuminate networks of associated figurative meanings, giving access to large numbers of frequently used vocabulary items.

Cellyne Nelly Awino Anudo is a lecturer at Garissa University College, Kenya, and is currently pursuing a PhD degree at Kenyatta University. Her area of research interest is Language and Gender and Discourse Analysis. Cellyne holds Master of Arts degree in English and Linguistics from Kenyatta University and a Bachelor of Education (Arts) degree from the University of Nairobi.