Language in Africa Volume 6, Number 1 (2025)

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THE ASPECT-TENSE SYSTEM WITH DEICTIC VALUE IN KIRUNDI (BANTU, JD62) Abstract: The objective of this article is to represent the aspect-tense system of Kirundi on the tenseline by taking into account all the synthetic and analytical combinations attested in the language. On the basis of the theory of deictic tense, which considers that tense, aspect and mood constitute an indivisible whole where one of these three values is always dominant, Kirundi no longer distinguishes only four tenses (distant past, recent past, present, future). The aspect-tense nature of this language always requires combinations of tense, aspect, and mood that express deictic tense values whose reference point on the tenseline is the perfective present. Other absolute tense values (distant past perfective, distant past imperfective, recent past perfective, recent past imperfective, present imperfective, future imperfective) complete the tenseline. Compared to the different absolute tenses, relative absolute tense values expressed by constructions with auxiliary verbs are placed indirectly on the tenseline. ________________________________________ PORTRAYAL OF MEN IN SWAHILI PROVERBS Abstract: While gender issues in Africa have been a rich area of study, the focus has been on issues related to women. This paper attempts to fill the gap that exists in the literature by taking a nuanced look at the depiction of men through the lens of gendered Swahili proverbs. Proverbs have long been the subject of many studies as they are useful in the identification of societal norms and taboos. The didactic nature of proverbs is particularly enlightening when investigating the expected set of behaviour for each member of society. The paper seeks to investigate masculinity among the Swahili with key focus on gender-specific characterizations and roles played by husbands and fathers. The study looks at the depiction of men as husbands and fathers to find out which stereotypes and gender roles are assigned to men and how the relevant Swahili proverbs are used to advance societal prescriptions and expectations. The paper utilizes Critical Discourse Analysis to scrutinize the proverbs to reveal the gender roles assigned to husbands and fathers and to analyse the male stereotypes embedded therein. Furthermore, Ambivalent Sexism Theory is used to underpin the analysis and the interpretation of the proverbs. ________________________________________ SWAHILI RIDDLES AS COGNITIVE TOOLS: METAPHOR AND METONYMY IN LANGUAGE ACQUISITION Abstract: Metaphor and metonymy are central to human cognition and language use, yet the process through which individuals, especially children, acquire the ability to use these conceptual tools remains an important question. This paper argues that riddling, as practiced in African communities, particularly among Swahili speakers, plays a significant role in developing metaphorical and metonymic competence. Drawing on Conceptual Metaphor Theory (CMT) and Constructivist Theory (CT), the study demonstrates how riddles serve as culturally embedded cognitive tools that support abstract reasoning and language acquisition. Through qualitative analysis of Swahili riddles, the paper illustrates how their linguistic structures, characterized by phonological, morphological, syntactic, and semantic parallelism, mirror the conceptual mappings inherent in metaphor and metonymy. Examples from everyday life, computer terminology, and science pedagogy highlight how riddles facilitate understanding of abstract ideas through familiar domains. By examining ten validated riddles (five metaphorical, five metonymic), the study reveals their pedagogical value in fostering critical thinking, figurative language use, and cultural literacy. Ultimately, the paper advocates for the integration of indigenous knowledge systems, such as riddling, into contemporary education. Doing so not only enriches language instruction but also supports a decolonial pedagogy that values African epistemologies and oral traditions.

CHUKWUDILE’S ONYE IJE: A POETIC EVALUATION OF IGBO IDEOLOGY ON MIGRATION Abstract: In the Igbo belief system, migration to other regions of the earth is seen as a way of life, hence the predisposition of the Igbo to migrate. Literary works on various aspects of the Igbo belief system have been undertaken by researchers, but not much attention has been paid to scholarly works on the phenomenon of Igbo migration. Consequently, this study examines the concept of migration from the perspective of an Igbo poet with a view to exploring the ideology behind it. Louis de Bonald’s Mirror Theory of the sociology of literature was used as a guide. Chukwudile’s poem “Onye Ije in Utara Nti, an anthology of Igbo poems by E. M. Emenanjo (1979), was purposively selected for the study. The result reveals that the Igbo sojourn for the purpose of economic advancement and development. A fundamental aspect of the experience is their willingness to adapt to the culture of their host communities; by becoming less of themselves and more like the hosts, they are well positioned to mingle and relate with the host culture and eventually reap the benefits and resources in the host domain. It was also found that, due to their propensity for travel, they are easily misunderstood by outsiders as homeless vagrants. The poem reveals that the essence of Igbo itinerary is to amass wealth and thereafter repatriate it home for the purpose of attracting the eulogy of the community. In addition, the poem reveals the belief shared among the Igbo that making positive sacrifices for wealth is integral to wealth management. It is for these reasons that the poet lauds the migrant, seeing them as people who deserve the acknowledgement and commendation of society. This study submits that other ethnic groups should imbibe the Igbo ideology of migration for the purpose of diversity and inclusion, which Nigerian society needs to achieve social and political advancement.

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