METAPHORICAL EXPRESSION

This study focuses on metaphorical expressions in Yoruba language with aspecificapproach to semantics. The aim of the study is to examine the metaphorical expressions in Yoruba and to identify the semantic properties that contribute totheirmeanings, while its objectives are to identify the metaphorical expressions inYoruba, determine the semantic features that characterize these expressions and to investigatethe ways in which these expressions are used in conversation. The study seekstouncover the cultural and linguistic intricacies of Yoruba metaphors. By analyzingthese expressions, it aims to enhance linguistic analysis, provide cognitive insights, of er an interdisciplinary perspective, and facilitate practical applications inlanguage education and cross-cultural communication.The data for this studywascollected through oral interview which was conducted with five competent speakersof Yoruba whose ages were between 50 and 65, two men and three women whoarevast with the knowledge of Yoruba language. The conceptual Metaphor Theory (CMT) wasemployed for the analysis of the data. The reason for adopting this framework is dueto its ability to uncover underlying conceptual structures within language andculture. By applying CMT, the study aims to analyze how abstract concepts are understoodand communicated through metaphorical expressions in Yoruba, facilitating adeeperunderstanding of cognitive processes, and linguistic nuances. The datawerepresented according to the dif erent metaphorical expressions gotten fromthedatacollection. The data were analyzed and the concepts were realized and explainedextensively via primary metaphors, cultural metaphors, embodied metaphors, conceptual metaphors, and image schemas. The findings revealed a diverse analysisof metaphorical expressions deeply embedded within Yoruba culture, sheddinglight on the intricate conceptualization of key concepts. Through the lens of Conceptual Metaphor Theory (CMT), the analysis unearthed a nuanced understandingof concepts such as friendship, education, leadership, community, time, communication, emotions, success, family, and strength. Lastly, the study recommends further studiesin this area and also to delve into the historical and cultural origins of Yorubametaphorical expressions, their impact on language acquisition, and their cross-cultural interpretation.