Abstract
The paper examines the animal symbolism in the Hausa Songs of Sa’idu Faru; limiting itself to two songs: Gwabron giwa uban galadima ɗan sambo ginshimi: ganshiƙan amadu na maigandi kai a uban zagi and Koma shirin yaƙi: jan damishin gidan kure shehu. The selection of the songs was due to the occurrences or use of many forms of animal symbolism in them. The analysis has been done on some instances showcasing animal symbolism derived from these songs. Different names of animals have been mentioned in the songs which carry meanings and portray different qualities attributed to human beings to show the innermost intended meaning of the singer. The instances reflect connotative meanings that symbolize power, strength, wisdom, braveness, leadership, tolerance etc, and some other ones which describe laziness, wickedness, fear, stinginess etc. Animal symbolism is an important tool used in many languages to illustrate the power of language in communicative discourse. The instances in the songs of Sa’idu Faru reflect how Hausa poets use their wisdom and poetic ability to manipulate language and ascribe meanings related to animals on human beings based on their physical or mental capacity. Words such as Kura(hyena), Zaki (lion), and Doki (horse) reflect many different intended meanings from the poet in the song. It is evident, that there is a great important symbolic value associated with each animal mentioned in the song.
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