Exploring the Dirge-case of Abagusii Community in Kenya

Abstract

The study analysed euphemism in language.  This research focused on the use of euphemisms in the Abagusii traditional dirges.  The research sought to collect Abagusii dirges, identify, describe, and classify the euphemisms used in them. This paper focuses on documenting and explaining the traditional Abagusii dirges. The study was based on the Face-work and Politeness theories. The study adopted a qualitative research design.   The interview method was used as the instrument for data collection from a sample of five (5) adults of Kisii County of Gucha Sub County. The collected songs were subjected to thematic content analysis.  From the collected dirges, it appears that the thematic concerns other than mourning also focus on tolerance, love, morality, justice, injustice, adherence to the traditional network of social relations and hard work.  The dirge, just like other types of songs and is a vessel for airing the inner feelings of the community's aspirations and expectations, which it recorded and then passed from one generation to another as cultural heritage.