Conceptualization of the seropositive using the journey metaphor in EkeGusii HIV and AIDS discourse in Kisii County, Kenya

Abstract

Language plays a fundamental role in the fight against HIV and AIDS in Kenya. Moreover, language is important in the dissemination of information that would ensure the success of both prevention and treatment of any disease. English language is used as the main language of communication on HIV and AIDS related issues in Kenya. The documented information available in indigenous languages, for example, EkeGusii on HIV and AIDS is many at times a direct translation from English. Whereas Kenya has made significant progress in the fight against HIV and AIDS, the prevalence of HIV in Gusii is very high, at between 10% and 28%, this call for investigation. In a recent draft report, HIV Prevention Revolution Road MAP 2013, prepared by NACC and NASCOP revealed that Kisii is among the nine Counties that contribute more than half of the new HIV infections in the country. A number of linguistic expressions such as metaphors are used in reference to HIV and AIDS in EkeGusii. This article investigates the journey metaphor as used in EkeGusii HIV and AIDS discourse. The ubiquity nature of metaphor makes it possible for the journey metaphor to be abundant in EkeGusii HIV and AIDS discourse. This paper reveals how metaphor reflects and structures EkeGusii speakers understanding of reality and particularly HIV and AIDS. As a result, the basic metaphor LIFE IS A JOURNEY is elaborated in novel ways and expressed in diverse measures in EkeGusii. Consequently, EkeGusii speakers perceive a seropositive individual as a traveller on an endless journey of taking ARVs or death.