Sound symbolism in Iraqw literature

Abstract

This article discusses the importance of conventionalised sound symbolism such as ideophones in Iraqw oral literature. It is argued that the meaning of ideophones is not referential but rather that they evoke an image. The study of the literary effect of sound symbolism in Iraqw riddles shows that emotive associations are not limited to one of the senses but instead often combine different senses, thereby evoking images such as movement and glitter; reflection and emptiness; tight structure, darkness and suddenness.