Author:AWONIYI Folorunso Emmanuel & Adaramodu Lucas Rotimi
Date: 05/07/2026
This study investigates the linguistic and sociocultural significance of body part metaphors in the Yorùbá language, with a specific focus on the eye (ojú) metaphor. Metaphors in Yorùbá are not merely decorative but serve as essential cognitive tools for conceptualizing abstract ideas, social values, and cultural philosophies. Drawing on a qualitative research design, the study utilizes a dataset of sixty-eight metaphors recorded in a researcher's diary through participant observation and ethnographic techniques. The research is grounded in the Ethnography of Communication, specifically Dell Hymes' ‗SPEAKING T‘ model, and the theory of Linguistic Relativity, which posits that language shapes thought and perception. The analysis critically examines ten specific instances of the eye metaphor, illustrating its role in communicating complex concepts such as perception, awareness, social hierarchy, and emotional states. For instance, metaphors like ojú ni ọba ara (the eye is the king of the body) highlight the eye's role in leadership and direction, while expressions such as ojú pọ n ọn (red eyes) symbolize physical or emotional suffering. The findings demonstrate that these metaphors are deeply embedded in Yorùbá oral traditions, proverbs, and everyday discourse, reflecting the community's collective responsibility and moral instructions. The study concludes that understanding these metaphorical structures is vital for enhancing translation accuracy, supporting Yorùbá language education, and gaining insights into how language reflects cultural identity and social bonds.
Keywords: Yorùbá metaphors, Sociolinguistics, Eye metaphor (ojú), Ethnography of Communication, Cultural linguistics.
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