An analysis of the food metaphor in EkeGusii HIV and AIDS discourse

Abstract

HIV represents one of the greatest public health challenges confronting Kenyans. Whereas Kenya has made significant progress in the fight against HIV and AIDS, the prevalence rates in Gusii are very high and this calls for investigation. The HIV and AIDS prevalence rates in Kisii and Nyamira Counties stand approximately at 26% which is higher than the provincial and national rates. HIV is a social issue, therefore issues dealing with language use and communication cannot be ignored. There are a number of linguistic expressions related to food that are employed when one is speaking about HIV and AIDS its related terminologies. The article investigates the food metaphors that EkeGusii speakers use in relation to HIV and AIDS. We argue that metaphors are used in EkeGusii discourse on HIV and AIDS because metaphors are ubiquitous in nature and AbaGusii culture places restrictions on words and expressions which directly refer to HIV and AIDS and sex related issues. Some of such direct words and expressions are considered taboo while others instill fear or create stigma. Hence, EkeGusii speakers find metaphors handy to use in such situations. Most concepts are understood in terms of other concepts and it could therefore be invaluable to analyze food metaphors in relation to HIV and AIDS and sex related issues. This study reveals how the food metaphor reflects and structures our understanding of reality in relation to sexuality and HIV and AIDS in EkeGusii.