Deconstructing Conceptual Metaphors in Oswald Mbuyiseni Mtshali’s Poetry
Abstract
This paper examines the use of conceptual metaphors in the poetry of Oswald Mbuyiseni Mtshali, exploring how his metaphors reveal deep socio-political and existential meanings. The paper applies the Conceptual Metaphor Theory (CMT) of George Lakoff and Mark Johnson to deconstruct the cognitive processes underlying the metaphorical language in Mtshali’s poetry. By examining "Sorrow" and "Weep not for a Warrior" as sample poems, this research identifies key metaphors related to oppression and resistance. The methodology is qualitative, engaging with intertextual references to South African history and culture. The findings reveal that Mtshali’s metaphors function not only as literary devices but also as tools for cognitive and ideological engagement. This paper contributes to Literary Semantics by demonstrating how metaphor can serve as an interface between linguistic expression and socio-political experience in Mtshali's poetry, thereby offering new insights into the interplay between language, thought, and power in literature.
Full Text: PDF DOI: 10.15640/ijll.v12n2a10
Abstract
This paper examines the use of conceptual metaphors in the poetry of Oswald Mbuyiseni Mtshali, exploring how his metaphors reveal deep socio-political and existential meanings. The paper applies the Conceptual Metaphor Theory (CMT) of George Lakoff and Mark Johnson to deconstruct the cognitive processes underlying the metaphorical language in Mtshali’s poetry. By examining "Sorrow" and "Weep not for a Warrior" as sample poems, this research identifies key metaphors related to oppression and resistance. The methodology is qualitative, engaging with intertextual references to South African history and culture. The findings reveal that Mtshali’s metaphors function not only as literary devices but also as tools for cognitive and ideological engagement. This paper contributes to Literary Semantics by demonstrating how metaphor can serve as an interface between linguistic expression and socio-political experience in Mtshali's poetry, thereby offering new insights into the interplay between language, thought, and power in literature.
Full Text: PDF DOI: 10.15640/ijll.v12n2a10
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