Analysis of Conceptual Metaphor in the Sesotho Catholic Church Hymnbook, Lifela Tsa Bakriste: Denoting theMetaphors of Connotative Names

Abstract Basotho have a common proverb with regard to personal names which says, le (bitso lebe ke seromo) meaning, a name has a direct influence on the character traits of the bearer. This study is an investigation of the connotative meaning of the names used in selected Catholic hymns. The meaning of names is analysed within the theoretical framework of conceptual metaphor in their seminal work, Metaphors we live by and thereafter modified into the cognitive theory of metaphor. The paper interprets metaphor as an evolutionary knowledge process in which metaphors mediate between minds and culture. The study aims to demonstrate that for religious relevance and indigenisation, Catholicism adapted in Lifela tsa Bakriste particular Sesotho traditional aspects in order to express the nature and essence of God, Jesus Christ, the Church and other aspects of the Basotho culture. It is therefore concluded that Lifela tsa Bakriste is an acculturation of Catholicism and the poetic discourse of traditional Sesotho poetry.