A dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of the degree " Licence en langue et littérature Anglaises"

RESUME

This is a pragmatic analysis of some kirundi proverbs expressing the theme of imprudence with the ain of using linguistic approach to study how Burundians use Kirundi proverbs to convery various messages. It has been revealed that Burundians make use of proverbs intentionally in a polite way. Proverbs, therefore carry out various messages when they are used in an appropriate way. The study was based on two assumptions. First, that linguistic knowledge alone cannot allow the understanding of the message conveyed through proverbs of imprudence and second, that proverbs expressing imprudence cannot be understood without reference to social customs, culture and context.

Some kirundi proverbs expressing the theme of imprudence were collected from informants and othes from written materials. They were translated into English and classified according to the functions they are likely to fulfill. The analysis was done on basis of pragmatic aspect. The findings of the study showed that 88% of the informants are aware of the proverbs expressing imprudence. They expressed their views that kirundi proverbs are used indirectly. Kirundi proverbs can then be taken as one major source of reference to study the culture of a given speech community. The analysis of Kirundi proverbs is recommended as a powerful tool for people concerned with socio-pragmatics. Moreover, people who are interested in Kirundi language use, Kirundi proverbs constitute a wide field for them.