ABSTRACT
Idiomatic expression refers to phrases or sayings that have a figurative meaning that is different from literal meaning of the words. Idiomatic expressions are important part of any language, as they help to convey complex ideas in a concise and memorable way. In the Edo language idiomatic expressions are particularly interesting because there are often usage of selected animal names which are being used to convey meaning, therefore the need to be examined and all documented. The purpose for this study is to examine, describe and document the selected animal names which are used figuratively in Edo expressions to describe human attitudes and behavior in traditional Edo society. Data were collected through the means of oral interview with the use of a pen and a notepad, Edo literatures and written text, such as proverbs, and songs was also studied and analyzed to identify instances of animal names used metaphorically. The framework chosen for this project is the basic linguistics theory, which is widely used in language description and considered the dominant theory in descriptive notions of analyzing, understanding, and documenting languages. The study observes among others that the most commonly used animals idiomatically are; domestic and wild animals, birds, reptiles and insects, and few aquatic animals which are often used by Edo speakers to metaphorically refer to human behavior or characteristics. Domestic animals are mostly used to refer to a person’s behavior both the positive and negative qualities, features and characteristics. Meanwhile wild animals are used to refer to bravery, leadership and royalty, birds are used to describe human characteristics or behavior, x reptiles and insects are used to refer to negative behaviors, cooperation, movement and features, lastly few aquatic animals such as fish and frogs are used to refer to a person’s attitude, negative behaviors and choices. This study concludes that the figurative use of animal names in Ẹdo expressions reveals the cultural depth and linguistics creativity of Ẹdo language speaker.
