DESIRABLE CHARACTER TRAITS IN IGBO AND CHINESE CHICKEN IDIOMS: A CROSS- CULTURAL STUDY

Abstract

This study examines the desirable character traits in some selected Igbo and Chinese chicken idioms that are mapped into human characters using a cross-cultural approach. The conceptual metaphor theory (CMT) by Lakoff and Johnson is employed for the study. The study adopts a descriptive approach. The data for the study is from both primary and secondary sources; The idioms were collected from books, internet sources, personal communication, and intuitive knowledge. A total of twenty Igbo and Chinese selected chicken idioms are presented and analyzed. The findings show that idioms convey cultural content in intercultural communication and that conceptual domain mappings vary in the two languages and cultures due to cultural influence. Also, culture-specific features shape the metaphoric use of animals in idioms. The findings also show that some desirable chicken idioms mapped into desirable human behaviors include commitment, responsibility, planning, discipline, concern for others, beautiful character, contentment, leadership, peaceful co-existence, and diligence. The conclusion here is that idioms are a conceptual universal phenomenon with high communicative and cross-cultural values; understanding this phenomenon is very important in order to promote inter-cultural communication and avoid language barriers. The study recommends that further research be carried out in the areas of undesirable chicken idioms in other languages and cultures.