A Study of Communicative Effectiveness in Giriama Wedding
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UNIVERSITY OF NAIROBI DEPARTMENT OF LINGUISTICS MASTER IN LINGUISTICS AND LANGUAGE A STUDY OF COMMUNICATIVE EFFECTIVENESS IN GIRIAMA WEDDING SONGS. BY ELIZABETH MAISHA GEORGE REG. NO.C50/75337/2012 A RESEARCH PROJECT SUBMITTED TO THE DEPARTMENT OF LINGUISTICS AND LANGUAGES IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE AWARD OF THE DEGREE OF MASTER OF ARTS (LINGUISTICS ) NOVEMBER 2014 i DECLARATION This research is my original work and has not been presented for examination in any other University. ………………………………………….. ……………………... Elizabeth Maisha Date 1. Signature: …………………………………… Date : ……………………… Prof. Rayya Timammy 2. Signature: …………………………………… Date : ……………………… Dr. Tom Olali 3. Signature: …………………………………… Date : ……………………… Dr. Muk’wana Department of Linguistics and Languages University of Nairobi. i DEDICATION This work is dedicated to my beloved family. My very supportive loving husband, Marandu Gilbert, I don’t know how it would be without you. My son Kazungu Gift, You were a great encouragement son. My dear daughter, Kuha Abigael, imagine the work you did for me, I can’t thank you enough. My son Kalama Victor, I had the lap top all to myself, and you said, it’s alright. To mum, Furaha, you are the best.Thank you for your prayers and encouragement. I also dedicate this work to my grandfather, Charo wa Kihinda, posthumously, thank you for giving me basic education. God rest you peacefully . Nyevu Kamango, you are my sunshine. ii ACKNOWLEDGEMENT I wish to sincerely appreciate the effort made by all those people who have contributed to the success of this work. Firstly I would like to thank the Almighty God for the gift of life, good health, care, protection and guidance throughout this M.A course. I sincerely wish to extend my heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to my supervisors; Prof. Rayya Timammy, Dr. Tom Olali and Dr. Muk’wana for their constant support, guidance, subjective scholarly criticism which has been instrumental to the general lay out of my thesis work. May God bless you. I surely would not have made it if it were not for your understanding and passion as you guided me. At this juncture, may I also thank my lecturers in the Department of Linguistics; Professor Okoth Okombo, Professor Lucia Omondi, Dr. Marete, Dr. Jane Oduor, Dr. Helga Schroder, Dr. Michira, Dr. Muk’wana, Dr. Maloba and Mr. Mung’ania for their rich academic nourishment. Finally, may I thank all my colleagues, 2012-2014 M.A Linguistics class for the moral support from the time we started the course. To them all Isay, God bless you. iii TABLE OF CONTENTS DECLARATION ............................................................................................................................. i DEDICATION................................................................................................................................ ii ACKNOWLEDGEMENT .............................................................................................................iii TABLE OF CONTENTS............................................................................................................... iv ABSTRACT.................................................................................................................................viii CHAPTER ONE ........................................................................................................................... 1 1.0 Introduction............................................................................................................................... 1 1.1 Background............................................................................................................................... 1 1.2. Statement of the Problem......................................................................................................... 3 1.3. Research Objectives................................................................................................................ 4 1.4 Research Hypotheses. ............................................................................................................... 4 1.5. Rationale .................................................................................................................................. 4 1.6. Scope and Limitations.............................................................................................................. 5 1.7. Theoretical Framework............................................................................................................ 6 1.7.1 Introduction............................................................................................................................ 6 1.7.2 Lexical Pragmatics................................................................................................................. 6 1.7.3 Lexical Adjustment Processes ............................................................................................... 8 1.7.3.1 Lexical Narrowing .............................................................................................................. 8 1.7.3.2 Lexical Broadening............................................................................................................. 9 1.7.3.2.1 Approximation............................................................................................................... 11 1.7.3.2.2 Hyperbole....................................................................................................................... 12 1.7.3.2.3 Metaphorical extensions ................................................................................................ 13 1.7.3.2.4 Category Extensions. ..................................................................................................... 13 iv 1.7.3.2.5 Neologism...................................................................................................................... 14 1.7.4 Context................................................................................................................................. 14 1.8.Literature Review.................................................................................................................... 15 1.8.1 Literature on Pragmatics...................................................................................................... 16 1.8.2 Literature on Songs in General ............................................................................................ 17 1.8.3 Literature on Wedding Songs .............................................................................................. 18 1.9 Research Methodology ........................................................................................................... 19 1.9.1 The Sources of Data............................................................................................................. 19 1.9.2 Area of study........................................................................................................................ 20 1.9.3 Data Sampling...................................................................................................................... 20 1.9.4 Data Analysis....................................................................................................................... 20 1.10 Summary............................................................................................................................... 20 CHAPTER TWO:CEREMONIES AND FUNCTIONS OF GIRIAMA WEDDINGS........ 21 2.1 Introduction............................................................................................................................. 21 2.2 Marriage.................................................................................................................................. 21 2.2.1 ‘Aroni’.................................................................................................................................. 23 2.2.2 Malozi ( Negotiation of dowry )............................................................................................. 26 2.2.3 Kulazha mali ( Giving bride price )...................................................................................... 27 2.2.4 Wedding Day ....................................................................................................................... 32 2.2.4.1 Kuhirika Sanduku ( Taking the suitcase )........................................................................... 32 2.2.4.2 Kuzulia muryango ( To block the door )............................................................................. 32 2.2.4.3 Kuhasa ( Blessings )............................................................................................................ 34 2.3 Conclusion .............................................................................................................................. 41 v CHAPTER THREE:LEXICAL ADJUSTMENT PROCESSES IN GIRIAMA WEDDING SONGS AND CEREMONIES................................................................................................... 42 3.1 Introduction............................................................................................................................. 42 3.2 Lexical Narrowing .................................................................................................................. 42 3.3 Lexical Broadening................................................................................................................. 49 3.3.1 Hyperbole............................................................................................................................