The Figures of Speech in the Lao Revolutionary Songs

Abstract

This research aimed to study the usage of figures of speech in Lao Revolutionary Song. There were 96 songs used as a sample. Sujitra Jongsatitwatana’s criterion used in this research included 9 figures of speech: simile, metaphor, synecdoche, metonymy, personification, hyperbole, onomatopoeia, oxymoron and paradox.

      From the research, it was found that 9 figures of speech: simile, metaphor, synecdoche, metonymy, personification, hyperbole, onomatopoeia, oxymoron and paradox, were used in Lao Revolutionary Songs a simile was most frequently used, 50 phrases were found being used in the song, showing 25.12%. Next, 49 phrases of metaphor were found being used in the lyrics, showing 24.62 %. The 31 phrases of Hyperbole were found being used, showing 15.58%. The 20 phrases of Onomatopoeia were found being used, showing 10.05%. The 16 phrases of Metonymy were being used, showing 8.04 %. The 15 phrases of Personification were being used, showing 7.53 %. The 9 phrases of Oxymoron were being used, showing 4.52%. The 5 phrases of Synecdoche were being used, showing 2.51 %. Finally, the only 4 phrases were being used, showing 2.01 %.