AN ASPECT OF LANGUAGE USE IN IGBUZO MARITAL RITES

ABSTRACT

This study focuses on the Aspect of Language Use in Igbuzo Marital Rite. The aim of this study is to bring out the linguistic importance of language use in Igbuzo marital rites and the research hopes to use its findings to come up with logical way of documenting language use in relation to marriage. This study employed a Qualitative research method. From the study, we have observed that language in use in any marriage is used as a very viable tool to establish union and perform a number of functions. These functions may include among others, to entertain, convince, advise, motivate and so on. As the research has revealed, the Aspect of Language use in Igbuzo marital processes covers the instrumental function of Language, in which language is used to make demands and satisfy several marital needs in any capacity.  In the course of the research a logically conclusion was arrived at which state that, it has been universally accepted that marriage is a lifelong and legitimate union entered into by two persons of the opposite sex for the purpose of procreation. This research also examined the traditional marriage rites in Igbuzo with a view to finding out how marriage is contracted in Ibusa. Marriage in Igbuzo is highly interesting and it starts with the first move made by a suitor in finding his marriage partner and ends with the marriage ceremony. Like every other part of Igbo land, marriage in Igbuzo follows prescribed traditional rites and rituals performed in stages, starting with introduction or inquiry down to the celebration of marriage.