The use of proverbs and metaphors in isiXhosa football reporting

Abstract

This article explores the different uses of colourful and military language in the commentaries of isiXhosa football reporters, and highlights an interesting relationship between football and war in terms of isiXhosa vocabulary, notions and expressions. These metaphorical expressions incite emotions in fans. We argue that, by using existing elements and events from the outside world to qualify actions and activities on the football field, isiXhosa football commentators attribute new functions to certain expressions or create new expressions that metaphorise action on the field based on the reality in their immediate environment. Written against the background of the semiotic and contemporary theories of metaphor, we demonstrate that the AmaXhosa language of sport is permeated with war metaphors, possibly because football is perceived as a substitute for war, especially in times of peace. Consequently, metaphors and proverbs are used by isiXhosa football commentators to convey messages and stir up an appetite for the game.