This research study attempts a linguistic analysis of the metaphorical euphemisms
used in Dholuo HIV/AIDS discourse, using the Conceptual Metaphor theory, which
analyzes metaphors in terms of target and source domains. Relevance Theory is also
used mainly when metaphors used present us with ambiguities. Relevance theory‟s
comprehension heuristic is used in the disambiguation of such metaphorical
expressions. For purposes of this study, metaphorical expressions are regarded as
conceptual strategy for structuring linguistic expression to construe meaning. The data
was collected from conversations, radio broadcasts, health facilities, newspapers
Dholuo music and other social gatherings. Chapter one is an introduction which
comprises a brief description of the language of the study, problem statement,
objectives and hypotheses. It also provides the rationale, the scope and limitations of
the study, theoretical frameworks, review of literature and the research methodology.
Chapter two gives a typology of Dholuo conceptual metaphors used to euphemise
HIV/AIDS. The typology includes conceptualization of HIV/AIDS as: accident,
calamity, animals, risky business, insect/pests, war, familiar illness, food, and journey.
There is also a typology which is unclear in terms of conceptualization. Chapter three
gives the analysis of metaphors used to euphemise HIV/AIDS discourse in Dholuo.
First, there is the conceptual metaphor analysis and then the Relevant Theoretic
analysis of the metaphors. Chapter four discusses the findings based on the analysis of
data in chapter three. The last chapter provides a summary and the findings of the
study. It also gives recommendation for further research.