The use of figurative statements, metaphors and similes (TR: benzetme YR: afiwe) is a long-established part of almost, if not all the world languages. While making this symbolization and representation, human liken each other to certain animals, in order to portray the fact that the one who is likened behaves or looks like the animal to which he or she is likened to. But then, human perceives situations differently, thus their representation culture is not always the same. In this episode, let’s see how animal metaphors are used in Yoruba and the Turkish languages. Which animal’s name represent what….

1. Lion

It is called “kìnnìhún” in Yoruba and “arslan” in Turkish language. Metaphorically, there is a similar usage in both languages. The king of the jungle is used in representing heroism and fearlessness, especially in men. Thus, when a Turk calls you “arslan”, it is just as positive as a Yoruba calling you “kìnnìhún”. Appreciate it like a man.

2. Tortoise

You are probably Yoruba if you aren’t surprised to see this animal as the second on the list, because the tortoise (ijapa) is undoubtedly the most popular animal in Yoruba literature. To the Yorubas, anyone called a tortoise is wise or say cunning. However, the Turkish only see the tortoise (kaplumbağa) as a slow animal, so whenever a Turkish friend tells you to stop being a tortoise, kindly move faster!

3. Dove

The dove (kumru) represents introversion[1] in Turkish, though I don’t think this is popularly used in daily conversations. In Yoruba Eyé Àdabá as it is called, represents peace. In some other context, it represents indifference[2].

4. Cow

Here comes a very contracting one! The Yoruba people call a stupid and dull person “maalu” (cow) while the Turks use the word “inek” (cow) as a synonym for a hardworking student.

5. Dog

The dog is in the good books of neither of the languages, it is always used for negativity and is never complimentary. The Turkish people use the word “köpek” (dog) as an insult for one with a bad attitude while the Yoruba use “aja” to describe a promiscuous person.

6. Monkey

A monkey (maymun) to the Turkish, is someone who makes funny and silly actions/movements. On the other side, the Yoruba sees “obo” (monkey) as dirty, ill-mannered or stupid person. Nevertheless both language still adopt “monkey” for an ugly person.

7. Elephant

According to the Yoruba, an elephant (erin) is a giant, someone very tall. On the other side, Turkish people use the elephant (fil) metaphor for someone who eats a lot or a fat person. To them, it is not a compliment!

8. Horse

In Turkish language, “At” (horse) is sometimes an impolite word used in describing a well-built woman- sturdy and strong. In Yoruba language, “eşin” (horse) is a common word for appreciating a beautiful or speedy car. Another case where the Yorubas use the word “eşin” (horse) is in the case of describing an impotent man, who they refer to as “eşin inu iwe” (horse in a book).

9. Goat

As though there is a consensus, the words “keçi” in Turkish and “ewure” in Yoruba, are adopted to represent stubbornness. This keeps me wondering if truly, the goat is the most stubborn among all.

10. Bird

Eye (bird) may not be the nicest word to use for a woman in Yoruba language, it is a synonym for witch! As for the Turks, kuş (bird) like lady, is simply the slim and light weighed one.

On a final note, I don’t think it is worth explaining, just like in English language the metaphor “animal”, “eranko” in Yoruba and “hayvan” in Turkish, is used to refer to one who possesses immorality, cruelty or other evil characters.

Thank you for reading, I hope you will be back to read the next episode!

Görüşürüz!

O daa bo!!

[1] “Başlarını dinlerler, kumru gibi yuvalarında oturur, şunun bunun aleyhinde konuşmazlar.” – B. Felek (TDK)

[2] Adaba o nani a nkungbe, inanjo eye n lo ,ketekete ku iso pin