Fear, Metaphor and Culture in Igbo and English: A Cognitive Semantic Study

Abstract

This paper explores fear expressions in Igbo and English, using Mbe Agaba by Rev. Fr. (Dr) F.O.F Onwudufor and Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe. Using a qualitative approach guided by Conceptual Metaphor Theory, the paper examines how 'fear' is expressed, understood, and influenced by culture. Data from folktales and literary texts were analyzed for cognitive and metaphorical patterns. The study found that 'fear' is often represented as a force acting on the body and mind, with physical reactions such as trembling, chills, or paralysis. Fear also arises from social interactions, reflecting communal or social concerns. Igbo expressions emphasize communal, relational, and folkloric contexts, while English expressions focus on individual experiences, social status, and historical challenges. The research concludes that fear is both a cognitive and cultural phenomenon, with language revealing how thought, bodily experience, and culture shape emotional expression.