Metaphors and the Reflection of Ibibio Episteme in Ekaette Brian’s Affimma

Abstract

The use of language to create outlets for activities, relationships and the general thought process within which morality is exacted in Ibibio has made the reassessment of language usage in creative arts represented in symbols, gestures and verbal interplays quite significant. As a trending art form synergizing the sociological, physiological and the psychological reality of the human nature, Ibibio films’ calls for an in-depth interrogation. Drawing from Orality as a qualitative research approach, this paper seeks to critically analyze the metaphoric representations of Ibibio episteme in Ekaette Brian’s Affimma with a focus on identifying the levels of metaphor deployed to orchestrate the pictorial elements of the film. Findings of the study reveal metaphorical representations in verbal and concrete forms in Affimma. The Verbal metaphors are identifiable through indigenous media such as proverbs, idioms, adages and riddles; avenues through which the indigenous language is configured and intents configured. Additionally, concrete metaphors are represented through living and non-living things, presenting a coding structure with deep cultural undertones that require in-depth knowledge of Ibibio signs system to unravel. The study concludes that creativity laced with morality can transcend space, culture and time and a culture projected in oral and concrete forms can easily transit as a code for cultural etiquette for social reorientation.