Twisting Traditional Proverbs to Suit a Pandemic Situation
A Study of Covid-19 Postproverbials among the Nzema
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 20406330 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Mohammed Yakub (0000-0003-4016-3253, University of Education, corresponding author) |
| Year | 2025 |
| Volume | 56 |
| Issue | 1 |
| Pages | 24-43 |
| Publication date | 2025-01-02 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | No |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Language Matters (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 1022-8195 • E-ISSN: 1753-5395 |
| Publisher | Informa UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB) |
| DOI | 10.1080/10228195.2025.2474412 |
| OpenAlex | W4409553977 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 14 |
Based on the theoretical assumptions of ethno-pragmatics, this study examined some “twisted” proverbial expressions used to offer advice to members of the Nzema society to adhere to the COVID-19 preventive measures. Drawing on primary data recorded during discourse situations among people in a number of Nzema communities, the study aimed to explore and highlight the specific advisory functions of the COVID-19 postproverbials. The findings revealed that the Nzema people consciously and strategically employed such radical proverbial expressions to inform members to be mindful of the presence of the virus. Crucially, they resorted to such expressions to persuade people to adhere to the protocols, such as staying indoors (the lockdown experience), wearing of face masks, regular washing of hands, and the use of hand sanitisers. The study found some metaphoric conceptualisations of COVID-19, such as COVID-19 IS AN ENEMY, COVID-19 IS A MERCILESS HUNTER, and COVID-19 IS A CONTAGIOUS AGENT. This study indicates that the Nzema people used figurative and persuasive language in advising members to adhere to the measures that were laid down to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in Ghana
2019-20 coronavirus outbreak · Pandemic · Political science · Sociology · Language, Linguistics, Cultural Analysis · Linguistics and Cultural Studies · Medicine · Swearing, Euphemism, Multilingualism · Virology
The Routledge Handbook of Language and Culture
Conceptualizations of Head in Dholuo
From Grammar to Politics
“By June, Everyone Would Have Died”
The ethnopragmatics of Akan advice
Twisted Wisdom
Postproverbials in Yoruba Culture
Framing of Covid-19 safety protocols in Kusaal musical health communication
Anti-proverbs and mass communication
| Citation velocity | historical |
|---|---|
| Highly cited | No |