Research Article
On Lexico-Semantic Analysis of Yorùbá Deviant Proverbs
Idayat Oyenike Saka*
Issue:
Volume 12, Issue 6, December 2024
Pages:
194-205
Received:
29 October 2024
Accepted:
15 November 2024
Published:
29 November 2024
Abstract: Proverbs are literary philosophical expressions in all languages including Yoruba. They are deployed to smooth communication delivery and also to enrich the intended messages. There are substantial numbers of research on Yoruba proverbs and proverbials. However, the present study examined the lexico-semantic relations between the primeval and certain deviant-constructed Yoruba proverbs, with a view to identifying the elements that define the frame, describe the semantic relations between them and account for the experience associated with the elements that brought the differences into discourse setting. Twenty (20) Yoruba primeval proverbs and their corresponding deviant versions were randomly selected and translated from the source language (SL) to the operational language (OL). The two versions of the proverbs were compared. Areas of differences in the two sets of the proverbs were identified and analyzed using the lens of frame semantics theory. The study discovered that the lexicalized items signaling deviation-frame between the two versions of the proverbs are made possible through relations of synonym, ambiguity, homograph, homonyms, and metonyms while the semantic relations were activated in substitution, paraphrase, and thematic shift. The study attributed the speaker’s experience engendering lexico-semantic disparity in the proverbs to the cultural incompetence and contextual equivalent. It is however noted that, the lexico-semantic relations between the primeval proverbs and their variants do not in any way exhibit contrary effects on the meaning and the performative functions of the deviant proverbs. This discovery posits that, unconscious speakers of deviant proverbs take cognizance of pragmatic equivalence rather than textual equivalence so as to make the context of the usage relevant irrespective of lexico- semantic deviations.
Abstract: Proverbs are literary philosophical expressions in all languages including Yoruba. They are deployed to smooth communication delivery and also to enrich the intended messages. There are substantial numbers of research on Yoruba proverbs and proverbials. However, the present study examined the lexico-semantic relations between the primeval and certa...
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Research Article
Representation of China and the Chinese in the Ethiopian Broadcast Media
Berhanu Asfaw Weldemikael*
Issue:
Volume 12, Issue 6, December 2024
Pages:
206-217
Received:
7 November 2024
Accepted:
19 November 2024
Published:
3 December 2024
Abstract: The chief objective of this study was to examine the representation of China in the Ethiopian broadcast media. The study aims to address specific objectives such as unraveling the major frames used in reporting about China and the Chinese, identifying the dominant information sources used by the Ethiopian broadcast media in reporting about China, and examining the representation of negative comments about China in the Ethiopian broadcast media. Theoretically, the study employs social constructionism together with framing theory through a qualitative research design. To that end, the study selected six television channels using purposive sampling and their coverage of issues in China in relation to three events. They are: 1) U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan; 2) the 2023 BRICS1’ summit held in South Africa; and 3) the 2023 Belt and Road Initiative summit held in Beijing. A corpus of 47 stories, regardless of their genre, was compiled and analyzed using framing theory and qualitative content analysis. The analysis revealed that China has been represented consistently through three frames. They are: 1) China is a “mighty power”; 2) China is a “fortress”; and 3) China is a “beacon of hope." These frames constitute several sub-themes within them.
Abstract: The chief objective of this study was to examine the representation of China in the Ethiopian broadcast media. The study aims to address specific objectives such as unraveling the major frames used in reporting about China and the Chinese, identifying the dominant information sources used by the Ethiopian broadcast media in reporting about China, a...
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Research Article
An Analysis of the Observance of the Cooperative Principle Maxims in Selected Kenyan Courts of Law
Issue:
Volume 12, Issue 6, December 2024
Pages:
218-230
Received:
9 October 2024
Accepted:
12 November 2024
Published:
7 December 2024
Abstract: In legal settings, such as courts of law, the observance of the Cooperative Principle (CP) is particularly crucial. Maxim observance, according to the cooperative principle developed by philosopher H. P. Grice, is a concept in the field of pragmatics and linguistics that explains how people engage in effective communication by following certain conversational norms and expectations. Paul Grice proposed the cooperative principle, which is divided into four maxims (manner, quantity, quality and relation), as a framework for understanding how people convey meaning in conversation. Hence, using the Gricean cooperative principle, this paper seeks to examine the observance of the Cooperative Principle maxims in Selected Kenyan Courts of Law. This study used a total of 12 cases collected during the examinations and cross examinations phases of the selected courtroom trials. Data was analyzed from the 12 purposively sampled cases to show the instances of occurrence of the observance of the CP maxim. The study discovered that there was adherence to the CP maxims. The maxim of manner was observed the most, followed by the maxim of quantity, quality then relation during courtroom interactions, particularly in the examination and cross-examination phases thus the principles of fairness, justice, and professionalism were upheld.
Abstract: In legal settings, such as courts of law, the observance of the Cooperative Principle (CP) is particularly crucial. Maxim observance, according to the cooperative principle developed by philosopher H. P. Grice, is a concept in the field of pragmatics and linguistics that explains how people engage in effective communication by following certain con...
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