Linguistic insights into patterns of inanimate metonymy in the Kisumu-South Nyanza dialect of Dholuo, Kenya
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.51867/AQSSR.3.3.62Keywords:
Discourse Analysis, Dholuo, Inanimate, Metonymy, PatternAbstract
This study aims to explain the linguistic insight into patterns of inanimate metonymies in Dholuo based on ‘how’ and ‘where’ questions as the guiding principles. The Kisumu–South Nyanza dialect of Dholuo is used in the investigation because it is considered a standard variety. This study focuses on inanimate metonymies used as reference points for inanimate objects in Dholuo to describe their nature, which would add value to the knowledge base. This study is anchored on the Causal Theory of Reference and the Refining Causal Theory of Reference for Natural Kind Terms. The study adopts a descriptive research design. This research was conducted in Homa Bay County, Kenya, where the researcher reached out to mourners, traders, sportsmen and sportswomen, musicians, and travellers as the target population of interest. A sample of five respondents from each of the five identified groups was selected using purposive sampling because of their observable recurrent use of metonymic expressions. This study therefore uses a total sample size of 25 respondents because rich and detailed interviews may achieve saturation with fewer participants. Data for this study were qualitative in nature and comprised actual metonymies collected using focus group discussions and interviews. Data were analysed using integrated approaches: thematic, cognitive, pragmatic, and referential analyses, where both linguistic and content elements were examined and explained. Presentation of the analysed data was done using narrative, thematic, and verbatim methods suitable for this study. The findings of this study illustrate that inanimate metonymies are patterned and therefore add to the knowledge base of metonymic expressions in the field of academic research. This study recommends the use of inanimate metonymy in Dholuo not only in literary works to enrich expressions and linguistic ornamentation but also in radio and television broadcasting, among others.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Joseph Arthur Mbara, Pamela Anyango Oloo , Charles Kesero Tunai, Joyce Wambura Boke (Author)
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