Yorùbá Sexual Related Symbo-Figurative Expressions: A Metaphorical Description

Abstract

This study is an investigation of an aspect of the Yoruba language where metaphorical expressions are employed to represent sexual related terms in interpersonal communications. It attempts to demonstrate the views of Yoruba users concerning the application of words in sexual related discourses. The use of philosophical conventions is explicated and deployed as the representation of certain amusing statements in relationship building-between a man and woman, and between the elders and young folks. Sexual related words are seen as prohibited. The proscription inspires a care handling of their social engagement and usage connectivity. Yoruba culture does not permit their public usages without a check. The Yoruba language is perhaps padded with metaphorical devices that cut across several lengths of their usages. Among other reasons, the socio-cultural values might have informed the litany of figurative expressions in the language. Moreover, it could be mentioned that the people do handle the phenomena (i.e. sexual related matters) with respect and dignity. This reflects in the daily deployment of the language as a facility of communication. It is shown in the study that sexual related linguistic items are ‘very heavy’ to be pronounced openly publicly, however, a means of presenting them has to be sorted for. The representation of sexual amusing phrases with symbols as indirect terms addresses the question of immorality in our social systems. As a matter of morality, the language tends to depict sexual expressions with symbolic codes to avoid violation of cultural principles. The moral consciousness in Yoruba use of language seems to assist and sustain high moral virtues in the society. The study offers suggestions on how the issue of morality in the society could be suppressed through the systematic collation and wisely application of the Yoruba virtues as observed in the metaphors.