A Linguistic Analysis of Euphemism in Mariama Ba’s So Long A Letter

Cite this article as: Muhammad, A. U., Tijjani, H., & Salisu, R. G. (2025). A linguistic analysis of euphemism in Mariama Ba’s So Long A Letter. Sokoto Journal of Linguistics and Communication Studies (SOJOLICS), 1(3), 186–194. https://www.doi.org/10.36349/sojolics.2025.v01i03.024

A LINGUISTIC ANALYSIS OF EUPHEMISM IN MARIAMA BA’S SO LONG A LETTER

By

Dr. Ali Umar Muhammad

aumuhammad@yumsuk.edu.ng

Department of Nigerian Languages, Northwest University, Kano

&

Hauwa Tijjani

Jiddatijjani41@gmail.com

Department of English and Literary Studies Northwest University, Kano

&

Rabiu Garba Salisu

rabiugarbasalisu@gmail.com

Department of English and Literary Studies, Northwest University, Kano

Abstract

This study examines the use of euphemism in So Long a Letter by Mariama Ba. The study aims to identify the types and functions of euphemisms used in the selected text, analyse their influence in shaping meaning and social interaction, and interpret their usage through the lens of politeness theory proposed by Brown and Levinson’s politeness theory (1987), and Allan and Burridge’s Euphemism and dysphemism framework (1991). A qualitative descriptive research approach was employed, with data collected through a textual analysis of the novel. 28 euphemisms were found from the text. These expressions were analysed and classified based on the sixteen types of euphemism outlined by Allan and Burridge, including metaphorical, figurative, flippancy, clipping, acronym, circumlocution, and others. Each euphemism was further examined using Brown and Levinson’s politeness strategies which are positive and negative politeness to uncover how characters use language to manage face-threatening acts, maintain social harmony, and navigate interpersonal relationships. The finding shows that euphemism in the text serves not only to soften discourse but also to reflect the socio-cultural realities of the characters, such as gender roles, power dynamics, religious beliefs and moral expectations. In addition, the analysis revealed that euphemism is also used to address many themes in our life, such as death, sexuality, betrayal, poverty, and social injustice in ways that are contextually appropriate and culturally sensitive.

Keywords: Euphemism, Politeness, Societies, Culture, Text

1. Introduction

Traditionally, euphemism is a rhetorical device for replacing harsh or offensive expressions with more agreeable ones. However, from a pragmatic and sociolinguistic perspective, euphemism is also an important communicative and cultural mechanism that reflects social norms, politeness and face-saving strategies which normally occurred during a conversation between two or more individuals (Allan & Burridge, 1991; Brown & Levinson, 1987). Euphemistic expressions usually involve the conceptualization of sensitive realities in indirect terms, either to protect the speaker’s and listener’s face or to align with cultural and moral values. To generate euphemistic meaning, there is often a process of conceptual substitution or reformulation, in which a socially misreferred term is replaced with a more acceptable alternative. During this process, speakers tend to select expressions that are less emotionally charged, less explicit and more socially palatable than their direct equivalents (Holder, 2002). Euphemism is heavily exploited in most languages and cultures, although the specific expressions and their interpretations may vary. Different communities may use different euphemistic strategies for the same concept or apply the same euphemism to different contexts (Ahmad, 2002; Hamza, 2014; Ali, 2005).

In African societies, where oral traditions, communal values and religious beliefs strongly shape discourse, euphemism plays a central role in addressing sensitive issues without breaching social etiquette or moral codes. Therefore, the aim of this paper work aims to identify the euphemisms used in the Ba‘s So Long a Letter to analyses the influence of euphemisms in the novel and to explain how meanings are conveyed through euphemisms in the novel.

 

2.  Definition of Euphemism 

Sebkova (2012) argues that euphemism as a substitution of an agreeable or inoffensive expression for one that may offend or suggest something unpleasant. However, it is very difficult to avoid speaking about unpleasant issues completely. That is why people have always felt the urge to find a way to speak about phenomena they feared, disliked, worshipped or considered taboo while not meaning them directly. Taking this into consideration, it could be concluded that attempts to use euphemisms are as old as our ability to use language. So, euphemism is a key indicator of increasing complexity of speech. Saying what we mean takes a high order of intelligence. It takes an even higher order not to say what we mean while still conveying our thought. Shi & Sheng (2011) maintain that euphemism is a device created with the help of conceptual metonymy to replace a taboo or sensitive word in order to strengthen the effect or avoid embarrassment. For Jones (2002), euphemism is the process whereby a word acquires a connotation that is less direct and hence less objectionable than an alternative term of equivalent denotation. Allan and Burridge (2006) stated that euphemism is the substitution of a mild, indirect or vague expression for a word or phrase considered harsh, blunt or offensive. Euphemism becomes the best choice for expression when thinking about how to accurately express things or things that don‘t want to be expressed directly (HUA, 2020).

To sum up, euphemism can be defined as a linguistic phenomenon that is permitted by norms and verbal behavior socially acceptable and used for substituting forbidden, improper, impolite, inconvenient, offensive, unpleasant or vulgar words or taboo for ones that are considered more proper, polite, convenient, inoffensive, pleasant or sweet sounding. It could be in form of word, phrase, sentence fragment or the whole sentence. Allan and Burridge (1991) classified euphemism into sixteen forms.

3.  Methodology

This study used the qualitative descriptive approach to analyse the use of euphemism in the novel under study. The source for data collection of this study is a text. The data used in this study are 28 different types of euphemisms that collected from the text. The selected text was read five times with a view to finding out the euphemisms used which were later subjected for analysis. Each euphemistic expression was highlighted and jotted down for analysis.  After obtaining the data from the text, two steps were involved in the data analysis process. The first step was categorizing the data based on the types and functions of euphemism. The second step discusses and interprets the data from each category based on the Politeness Theory proposed by Brown & Levinson (1987) and Euphemism and Dysphemism theory by Allan & Burridge (1991). Each data presented as follows: Euphemism which entails both quotation and the euphemism, actual meaning of the expression and function of the euphemism.

4.  Data Presentation and Analysis

The total data collected from the text So Long a Letter are 28 euphemisms which are presented in a tabular according to the different types of euphemism.

S/N	TYPES OF EUPHEMISMS	SLL
1	Figurative Euphemism	3
2	Metaphorical Euphemism	2
3	Colloquial Euphemism	2
4	Hyperbole Euphemism	2
5	One for one substitution Euphemism	2
6	Flippancy Euphemism	2
7	General for Specific Euphemism	2
8	Acronym Euphemism	2
9	Remodeling Euphemism	2
10	Circumlocution Euphemism	2
11	Omission Euphemism	2
12	Understatement Euphemism	2
13	Jargon Euphemism	2
14	Clipping Euphemism	1
	Sub-Total	28

Table 1: frequency of the compiled data

 Analysis of Euphemism in Ba’s So Long A Letter  

The study collected 28 euphemisms. Each of the euphemisms were analysed in the following sub-section:

4.1  Figurative Euphemism

This involves using imaginative or figurative language to replace a harsh, taboo, or uncomfortable term. It includes imagery and poetic expressions that soften meaning. This technique makes sensitive subjects easier to talk about by creating mental pictures that are gentler and often symbolic. Consider the following examples;

1. Euphemism: “I am beginning this diary, my prop in my distress”. (P1 L1-2)

Actual Expression: I am starting this journal as emotional support during my suffering.

2. Euphemism: “Virility and fineness of features harmoniously blended, once again, no question.” (P13 L10–11)

ActualExpression: Handsome or attractive

3 Euphemism: “May the earth rest lightly on him.”(P 5 L2)

Actual Expression: May he rest in peace.

All the three euphemisms use figurative, positive language to soften direct expression and infuse it with elegance and emotional depth. (1), The diary as a “prop” frames personal vulnerability as a sustaining support rather than raw distress; (2), the “harmonious blend” of virility and fine features elevates a simple compliment into an artful portrait; and (3), the wish that “the earth rest lightly” replaces the bluntness of death with a tender, comforting image. Together, they demonstrate how poetic imagery can preserve dignity, convey admiration or solace and transform sensitive truths into aesthetically pleasing expressions. That is why Brown & Levinson (1987) argue that positive politeness played a vital role for face saving during conversation. 

4.2  Metaphorical Euphemism

This is a subset of figurative language, metaphorical euphemisms substitute offensive or direct terms with metaphors. They describe one thing in terms of another, drawing imaginative comparisons to obscure reality as in the following examples:

4. Euphemism: “The dream is to become a clerk. The trowel is spurned.” (P18 L32–33)

Actual Expression: Disinterest in or disdain for manual labour jobs.

5. Euphemism: “An army forever on the move, forever vigilant. An army without drums, without gleaming uniforms.  (P23 L19–21)

Actual Expression: A dedicated and vigilant force, without ceremonial drums or shiny uniforms.

As argued by Brown & Levinson (1987) that all individuals have two types of face: positive and negative, which show approval and or otherwise. The two examples above show who euphemisms employ metaphorical language to convey deeper social or emotional meanings while softening or reshaping the direct expression (serving face). In illustration (4), the rejection of “the trowel” is a negative metaphorical euphemism, critiquing societal disdain for manual labour by using a symbolic tool to represent undervalued physical work. Comparing teachers with army in (5) above: “an army without drums” is a positive metaphorical euphemism, elevating their quiet, tireless dedication through disciplined, heroic imagery. Together, these metaphors whether negative or positive reframe reality, critiquing values, honouring service, or celebrating love through vivid, culturally resonant imagery. All these two illustrations are categorised under positive politeness strategies because the writer showed the important of teacher in the society using the said strategies (Brown & Levinson, 1987).

4.3 Colloquial Euphemism

These are informal and conversational expressions used in place of more offensive or blunt terms. They are often culturally or regionally specific and tend to reflect everyday speech. They soften the impact of taboo topics like sex, death, and bodily functions using common, less formal language as in the following examples:

6. Euphemism: “Containing its pleasant drinks…” (P16 L 21-22)

Actual Expression: Alcoholic beverages.

7. Euphemism: “In the desire to marry a ‘short skirt,’ come what may…” (P17 L 10)

Actual Expression: The desire to marry a young, attractive, possibly sexually appealing woman.

These two colloquial euphemisms use informal, socially recognizable language to either soften or satirize sensitive realities. Referring to alcohol as (6), “pleasant drinks” is a positive colloquial euphemism, framing it as a source of enjoyment while avoiding direct mention and sidestepping cultural disapproval. (7) Calling a young, attractive woman a “short skirt” is a negative colloquial euphemism, trivializing her identity and critiquing shallow motives through playful but objectifying imagery. The expression in (7) showed that using “short skirt” to describe a young lady is considered as an Off-record or indirect politeness strategy. Brown & Levinson (1987) maintained that using hints or suggestions are used to describe a thing or to talk to or about a person is considered as Off-record strategy.

4.4  Hyperbolic Euphemism

This type exaggerates reality to create a euphemistic effect. Often used positively (praising) or dramatically (softening seriousness), hyperbolic euphemisms inflate qualities or situations to avoid discomfort. It intensifies a description to flatter or deflect from a less desirable truth as in the following examples:

8. Euphemism: “In their hollows smallpools of blue water would glisten, full of light from the sky and sun.”(P 21 L18-19)

Actual Expression: Refers to someone’s eyes filled with tears or possibly admiration and beauty in their appearance.

9. Euphemism: “The appetite to live kills the dignity of living.”(P 73 L 26)

Actual Expression: The desperate struggle to survive can lead people to act without pride or self-respect

These three hyperbolic euphemisms use deliberate exaggeration to heighten emotional impact while softening direct expression. (8), Describing eyes as “small pools of blue water… full of light” is a positive hyperbolic euphemism, romanticizing the image to convey beauty or emotional depth, turning a simple reaction into something luminous and poetic. (9), Saying “the appetite to live kills the dignity of living” is a negative hyperbolic euphemism, dramatizing how survival struggles can erode self-respect, masking the blunt reality of hardship with elevated, metaphorical language.

4.5  One for one Substitution Euphemism

This is a direct lexical swap where one word is replaced by another, which is more polite or less offensive term with similar meaning. This form is clear and accessible, frequently used in formal or sensitive contexts like obituaries or public statements as in the following examples:

10. Euphemism: “But many wanted to possess us!”(P 15 L 1-2)

Actual Expression: Many men wanted to marry or sexually control us.

11. Euphemism: “Envy my comfort and purchasing power.”(P 20 L 22-23)

Actual Expression: Envy my wealth and ability to live luxuriously.

These two one for one substitution euphemisms replace blunt terms with more abstract or neutral language to soften sensitive realities. In illustration (10) above, saying “possess us” is a negative euphemism, substituting a literary verb for the direct notion of sexual control or marriage, which masks the rawness of male dominance while still implying objectification. In contrast, the use of saying “envy my comfort and purchasing power” is a positive euphemism, replacing “wealth” with more neutral, economic phrasing that conveys privilege without sounding boastful. Together, they show how lexical substitution can either critique social power imbalances or present personal advantage in a socially acceptable manner.

4.6  Flippancy Euphemism

This form of euphemism uses humour, sarcasm, or casual language to handle uncomfortable subjects. Often irreverent, it serves to distance speakers from the seriousness of the topic. It can sometimes be considered disrespectful depending on context but is common in media and everyday speech as in the following examples:

12. Euphemism: “Reunited, will we draw up a detailed account of our faded bloom…” (P 72 L 14-15)

ActualExpression: Let us reflect on the loss of our youth and physical beauty.

13. Euphemism: “My successive refusals gave me in town the reputation of a ‘lioness’ or mad woman’.”(P 70 L 13-15)

ActualExpression: People viewed her as aggressive, rebellious, or irrational due to her repeated refusals of male advances or societal expectations.

All the two illustrations of euphemisms in 12 & 13 above employ flippancy to address sensitive realities with humour, irony, or casual understatement. In (12) above, referring to aging as a “faded bloom” is a positive euphemism, turning the loss of youth into poetic imagery that preserves grace and dignity. But in (1) labelling oneself a “lioness” or “mad woman” is also a positive euphemism, using playful defiance to reclaim perceived insults as badges of strength and independence

 4.7  General for Specific Euphemism

Here, a broad or vague term replaces a more detailed or explicit one. This approach reduces the specificity of unpleasant or controversial information. This helps maintain tact, especially in conservative or formal discourse as in the following:

14. Euphemism: “Across from me, anew winnowing fan bought for the occasion receives the first alms.”(P 3 L25-26)

Actual Expression: A fan is placed to collect donations during a mourning or funeral ritual.

15. Euphemism: “She often spoke of the wide gap between your two upper incisors: the sign of the primacy of sensuality inthe individual.”(P 14 L 0-32)

Actual Expression: A belief that a physical feature (the tooth gap) is a sign of high sexual desire or erotic nature.

Both examples 14 & 15 show that euphemisms employ the general for specific strategy, replacing direct, potentially blunt references with broader, more socially palatable terms. For instance, in 14 saying “winnowing fan” receiving “alms” is a positive euphemism, turning a direct mention of funeral donations into a culturally dignified ritual image, while (15) describing a tooth gap as “the primacy of sensuality” is a negative euphemism, softening a direct comment on sexual appetite with abstract, pseudo-scientific phrasing. Collectively, they illustrate how generalization can both elevate sensitive topics and mask potentially controversial judgments.

4.8  Acronym Euphemism

A form where the first letters of taboo or sensitive phrases are used to create an acronym that disguises the full phrase. Used frequently in written communication or censored broadcasts to maintain decorum as shown in the examples below:

16. Euphemism: “As for MS, we wore out wrappers and sandals on the same stony road to the Koranic school.”(P 1 L 7-9)

Actual Expression: As for Modou Sow, we shared a humble and difficult upbringing.

The illustration features in 16 above is an acronym euphemism and a positive euphemism which is almost the same with Brown & Levinson (1987) positive politeness.  The use of “MS” as an abbreviation conceals the full identity of the person, adding a layer of respect, discretion, or emotional distance. Acronyms in such a personal context can also reduce the emotional intensity of recalling someone significant, especially when associated with conflict or complex memories. It allows the speaker to acknowledge a shared past while maintaining a degree of formality or detachment.

 

4.9  Remodeling Euphemism

This type involves restructuring a word or phrase to make it sound more socially acceptable or modern. Often found in institutional or bureaucratic language. It often upgrades the status or perceived importance of a role or situation as shown in the following examples:

17. Euphemism: “I am stripping myself of your love, your name.”(P 32 L 11)

Actual Expression: I am emotionally and legally detaching from you, renouncing our marriage.

18. Euphemism: “Water and sand have been mixed; they have become mud. Gather up your mud.”(P81 L 30-31)

Actual Expression: You have created a mess or a problematic situation, now deal with the consequences.

In the examples 17 & 18 euphemisms use remodeling reshaping a direct, potentially harsh statement into vivid, metaphorical language. In (17) saying “Stripping myself of your love, your name” is a positive euphemism, recasting divorce as an act of self-liberation and identity recovery. While in example (18), saying “Water and sand have been mixed… gather up your mud” is a negative euphemism, symbolically urging someone to face the consequences of their own actions while avoiding blunt blame.

4.10 Circumlocution Euphemism

This involves using lengthy, indirect language to avoid naming a subject directly. This “talking around” a subject avoids giving offense or causing discomfort. Often seen in political, legal or diplomatic language where delicacy is the key as shown in the examples below:

19. Euphemism: “I think: the doctor after death.”(P 2 L 24)

Actual Expression: I reflect on matters too late or uselessly, when nothing can be done.

20.  Euphemism: “Her behaviour is conditioned: no sister-in-law will touch the headof any wife who has been stingy, unfaithful or inhospitable.”(P 4 L 21-23)

ActualExpression: A woman must behave well to be ritually honoured after her husband’s death.

In the examples 19 & 20 above, euphemisms use circumlocution expressing an idea through indirect or roundabout phrasing to soften its impact. For instance, in 19, the used of “The doctor after death” is a negative euphemism, veiling the admission of useless or belated action in a metaphor about futile medical help. But in (20), the words “No sister-in-law will touch the head…” is a negative euphemism, embedding social judgment about a widow’s moral worth in the language of ritual custom, making the criticism less direct.

4.11  Omission Euphemism

This is where the speaker leaves out a potentially offensive word or idea altogether, relying on the listener to infer the meaning. Omission protects the speaker and listener from confronting the issue head-on as given in the examples below:

21. Euphemism: “Was I to threaten, in the face of my daughter’s shame, her sincere repentance, her pain, her anguish?”(P 83 L19-21)

Actual Expression: Her daughter had become pregnant outside of marriage or had committed a serious social or moral transgression.

22. Euphemism: “Iba knew of her condition.” (P 82L 15).

Actual Expression: Iba knew she was pregnant.

These two euphemisms employ omission deliberately leaving out explicit details to address socially sensitive situations without directly naming the act or condition. In (28) above the use of “her daughter’s shame… sincere repentance,” the nature of the transgression (likely premarital pregnancy or another moral violation) is left unstated, shifting focus to emotional consequences rather than the offense itself. Likewise in (22), “Iba knew of her condition,” the word “condition” omits the explicit mention of pregnancy, avoiding direct reference to a culturally taboo subject. In both cases, the omission shields individuals from public embarrassment, reduces moral condemnation, and reframes the narrative in more compassionate, socially acceptable terms.

4.12  Understatement Euphemism

This downplays the severity or seriousness of a subject. Rather than avoiding it entirely, it frames it in a mild or minimized way. It is common in polite conversation, especially regarding health, finances, or failure as shown in the examples below:

23. Euphemism: “Depression and sadness would disappear, suddenly to be replaced by feelings of plenitude and expansiveness.”(P 22 L 9-10)

Actual Expression: Intense emotional distress would give way to overwhelming joy or inner peace.

24. Euphemism: “His slogan was: what’s the use of taunting with the impossible? Obtaining the ‘possible’ is already a victory.”(P 24 L 6-8)

Actual Expression: He settled for less or had a defeatist or minimalist outlook on life.

These euphemisms work by deliberately toning down the reality of a situation or judgment, making it sound gentler and more socially palatable. Using “depression and sadness… replaced by feelings of plenitude and expansiveness,” in example (23), the speaker underplays the depth of prior suffering, reframing it in abstract, uplifting terms for a positive effect. While in the illustration (24) “what’s the use of taunting with the impossible?” the acceptance of minimal achievement is softened into a philosophical stance, masking resignation or lack of ambition for a negative effect.

4.13  Jargon Euphemisms

These are euphemisms used within specific professions (e.g., military, medical, business) that obscure harsh realities under technical or coded language. Jargon often serves both to maintain professionalism and to mask discomforting truths as in the examples below:

25. Euphemism: “It is a healthy militancy, whose only reward is inner satisfaction.”(P 74 L 26-27).

Actual Expression: It is committed activism or struggle, with no material reward but only personal fulfilment.

26. Euphemism: “Mothers of yore taught chastity. Their voice of authority condemned all extramarital wanderings.” (P 87 L 18-20)

Actual Expression: Traditional mothers taught sexual abstinence and condemned adultery.

These two jargon euphemisms use specialized or formal vocabulary to discuss sensitive or morally loaded matters in ways that soften their directness. “It is a healthy militancy, whose only reward is inner satisfaction” which are (25) is a positive euphemism that frames committed activism as principled and honourable, avoiding the aggressive or extreme connotations of the word “militancy. In addition, the text in (26) “Extramarital wanderings” is a negative euphemism that indirectly refers to acts of infidelity, allowing moral criticism to be expressed in socially and culturally acceptable formal language rather than through blunt or explicit terms.

4.14  Clipping Euphemism

This involves shortening a word or phrase to soften its impact or make it more socially acceptable. Clipping makes strong or vulgar expressions more tolerable, especially in polite settings or media as shown in the example below:

27. Euphemism: “He was well to-do and knew how to use his position to advantage.” (P 16 L 18-19).

ActualExpression: He was wealthy and exploited his social or official position for personal benefit.

This is a clipping euphemism and a negative euphemism. (27), the expression “well to-do” is a clipped, softened version of “rich” or “wealthy,” which avoids drawing direct attention to social class disparity. Similarly, the phrase “knew how to use his position to advantage” trims away any explicit mention of manipulation or abuse of power. Together, they subtly mask opportunistic behaviour, allowing for a polite or neutral surface interpretation while concealing potential exploitation or inequality.

5.  Findings

The findings of the analysis are summarised below

1) So Long a Letter exhibits a broad use of euphemism, reflecting a shared linguistic strategy  to handlesensitive topics.

2) The most commonly used euphemism types were figurative, metaphorical, flippancy,  omission, understatement, circumlocution and one-for-one substitution, highlighting a  clear preference for indirect and emotionally language.

3) Euphemism was shown to be a vital face-saving strategy in the text, supporting both  positive face (the desire to be liked, approved of or included) and negative face (the  desire not to be imposed upon).

4)      The absence of borrowing and abbreviation euphemisms in the text highlights their grounding in local, culturally embedded language practices rather than global or technical registers.

6.  Conclusion

This study has explored the role and function of euphemism in the significant African literary text Mariama Ba’s So Long a Letter through the theoretical lenses of Brown and Levinson’s (1987) Politeness Theory and Allan and Burridge’s (1991) framework on euphemism and dysphemism. From the findings, it is evident that euphemism serves as a multifaceted linguistic and cultural tool that allows authors to engage with socially sensitive, emotionally charged, or culturally taboo topics without directly violating the norms and expectations of their communities. Euphemistic expressions in the novel are not merely ornamental or stylistic devices; rather, they are deeply embedded in the socio-cultural fabric of the narratives and serve important communicative, ideological, and discursive purposes.

The analysis revealed that euphemisms are used to mask or soften references to themes such as death, sexuality, poverty, betrayal, female subjugation, and social inequality issues that remain central to the lived experiences of many African communities.

Through euphemism, the author navigate delicate subjects in a way that is respectful of cultural boundaries, yet still critically engages with the realities and challenges faced by individuals, particularly women, in patriarchal and tradition-bound societies. The use of euphemism in the text reflects a deliberate and thoughtful engagement with language as a vehicle for social commentary, resistance, and transformation.

Furthermore, the successful application of Politeness Theory and the euphemism-dysphemism model in this research underscores the utility and relevance of these theoretical frameworks in literary analysis. Politeness Theory helps to illuminate how characters manage face-threatening acts through indirectness, deference, and strategic ambiguity, while Allan and Burridge’s taxonomy of euphemism provides a systematic approach for classifying and understanding different forms of linguistic substitution. Collectively, these theories reveal how language in African literature is used not just for storytelling but also as a powerful tool for negotiating identity, reinforcing or challenging power dynamics, and reflecting broader societal values.

This study thus contributes to the linguistic and literary scholarship by demonstrating how euphemism can be analysed not only as a pragmatic feature of everyday communication but also as a meaningful literary device that shapes narrative structure, character development and thematic depth. It affirms the idea that language in literature is never neutral but is always socially situated, ideologically charged, and culturally resonant.

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