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Across the Sea, Around the World: Narrating Metaphors of Migration in Nigerian Cultural Production

Stephen T. Ogundipe
Department of English, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife

Abstract

This paper examines migration narratives in Nigerian cultural production by analysing how concepts like Ajala and Tokunbo evolve, spread and become pandemic metaphors of migration in Nigeria. Using Dan Sperber's (1996) conceptual tool of 'epidemiology of representations,' the paper pays attention to the socio-cultural accounts of these concepts, focusing on the critical roles of popular culture in defining and extending the meaning of cultural phenomena. The findings reveal that although Ajala is widely entrenched as a metaphor for a frequent traveller, “Tokunbo” that used to possess illustrious social capital is no longer a badge of honour for returned migrants. Tokunbo has become an extended metaphor for used foreign products, including automobiles, electronics and clothes. Similarly, the study reveals that using these metaphors in the Nigerian context reflects how metaphors make conventional understanding of migration concrete.