Metaphor in Pop-Up Swahili Sayings: Is it a New Meaning or a New Idea?

Abstract

This article examines metaphors in Swahili Language Pop-up Sayings. This research involves both field and library work. Primary data was collected in Mbeya region. The researcher used interviews and careful observation to gather primary data. The sample was chosen based on specific characteristics to ensure accurate data; the selection focused on speakers and experts in the Swahili language. The study was guided by specific objectives including to identify new sayings within the Swahili community, especially in the Mbeya region. To achieve this, the researcher collected various sayings used in politics, economics, society, technology, and culture. The second objective was to identify metaphors in the collected sayings, determining if they represent new meanings or ideas. The assumption was that the emergence of sayings is not new, as sayings have always existed and drive communication. This study aimed to identify metaphors using the theory of Metaphor Essays by Lakoff and Johnson (1980). Results indicate that the meanings of pop-up sayings are neither new nor represent new ideas, but are new words used in different contexts. The metaphors in these sayings result from violations of semantic meanings during their formation. This article suggests that society, regardless of age, status, or gender, should accept language changes, as resisting time and linguistic evolution is futile; ultimately, language’s primary role is communication.