ANIMAL METAPHORS IN IGUTA PROVERBS OF THE ANAGUTA PEOPLE OF JOS, PLATEAU STATE, NIGERIA

Vera A. Aaron, Ph.D

ABSTRACT

This paper examines animal metaphors in Iguta proverbs. Proverbs as a valuable and integral aspect of oral literature are by their inherent features the doorway that provide the entrance into the customs, mores, traditions and the value system of the Anaguta people. Primarily, animal metaphors are proverbial expressions which have been predominantly employed to depict certain human behavioural peculiarities. Through careful observation of the physical behaviours and traits of these animals, the Anaguta people conceptualized these behaviours and traits into proverbial metaphoric expressions in order to address anti-social behaviours and to promote as well as re-enforce positive behaviours so as to maintain social order in the community. The Anaguta who are users of these proverbs harness animal behaviours and traits to creatively compare with corresponding human experiences. These proverbs are utilized to check against social excesses and negative actions and also deploy the same structure to enhance social order, creating balance in daily lives of the people. The data for this article comprise thirty-two proverbs associated with animals. The study discovers that both domestic and non-domestic animals such as birds, snakes, cocks, horses, hares, flies, hedgehogs and many more are exploited to advise, caution, ridicule, praise and warn against unwholesome attitudes and social vices. Also, the deployment of these goals in the proverbs is to clearly and directly draw people’s attention towards positive behaviours and traits such as patience, hard work, honesty, tolerance, faithfulness, wisdom among others.

Keywords: Anaguta, Animal Metaphors, Traits, Human Experiences, Proverbial Expressions.