An Examination of Okot p’Bitek’s Song of Lawino as a Mega Metaphor for the African Indigenous Languages

Abstract

In his book Metaphor, Zoltan Kovecses (2010) explains how metaphors allow us to compare abstract concepts with more concrete terms in order to make sense of our world. Using his theoretical framework and definition of conceptual metaphors, this chapter treats Lawino, the main character in Okot p’ Bitek’s Song of Lawino as a “mega metaphor” for African indigenous languages and argues that the properties and characteristics of African indigenous languages are understood in terms of the characteristics of Lawino. Lawino’s trials and experiences are compared to those of African indigenous languages in contemporary Africa. This chapter argues that it is possible for African language users to embrace and support a peaceful coexistence of both indigenous African languages and languages of wider communication.