Conceptual Metaphors and Perception Verbs in GĨKŨYŨ

Abstract

This paper examines the polysemy that exists in the semantic field of perception verbs in Gĩkũyũ which is a Bantu Language of the Niger – Congo group spoken in Kenya. These verbs do not only convey the meanings that are related to the physical perception of each sense modality but they are extended to express varieties of meanings in other semantic fields. The paper also examines the link between the concrete and the abstract meanings within perception verbs in GĩKũYũ through conceptual metaphor.