An Analysis of Images and Symbols in the Story of Nganyi, the Rain Maker, As Told Among the Luo Community of Kenya.

Abstract

Myths are human stories whose main role is to explain varied phenomena. They provide a link between the past and the present. They also serve as origins of truth which in African phenomenology are traceable to mythological repositories and other ordinary values (Jaja, 2012). This myth talks about the story of a legendary old woman who lived in Lake Victoria and used to emerge from the lake from time to time to perform miracles among the people of the Lake region, then return into the waters. Although the story takes place in three parts, the paper has only focused on the third part where Nganyi is involved. The study is guided by three objectives namely: to discuss how an African myth translates folklore into a valid scientific phenomenon; to describe the conceptual metaphors expressed in the story of Nganyi, the rainmaker and to explain the schematic patterns and vital relations that are derived from the story of Nganyi, the rainmaker The story is presented in Dholuo then translated into English after which the symbols and the metaphorical expressions in it are analysed. Translation, a significant exercise that requires maximum attention incorporates culture. Therefore, for effective translation to take place, transfer of the message must be done both linguistically and culturally (Ndhlovu, 2012). The metaphors in the story were investigated from a conceptual metaphor stand point whereby metaphors are comprehended through two domains: source and target. The source, which is the familiar entity, aids in the comprehension and interpretation of the target, which is the unfamiliar entity (Lakoff & Johnson, 1980; Fauconnier & Turner, 2002; Ahrens, 2002). The metaphorical expressions were analysed and discussed using the tenets of conceptual integration theory (Fauconnier & Turner, 2002). Our study found out that the indigenous people around Lake Victoria had developed elaborate and viable techniques of manipulating and conserving their environment in order to generate resources for their survival.