COMMON OBJECTS COMMUNICATION AMONG THE YORUBA SOCIETY

ABSTRACT

Object communication is a non-verbal means of communication, which involves the use of material things to communicate, for example; the carved human figure is used to communicate warning among the Yoruba people. This project work discusses the concept of object communication among the Yoruba people, which, is referred to as Àrókó (communication by material things), and examines the intentional and non-intentional use of objects to communication also some of these objects used. Relevant literature were reviewed, some of which provided valuable facts for the research work. Secondary data were gathered from informants, who are indigenes of the language of study via interview and the use of camera to provide pictorial samples of data gathered. 45 0bjects was collected and analysed via Peircean’s theory of sign, which fits well in the explanation of signs. The results shows that objects possess communicative potentials, communication via material things is an ancient one and still relevant. Though not widely used. This media of communication is strictly incorporated into the traditional system. Due to globalization, the use of indigenous media to communicate is limited also one fruitful finding is the point that the sense of these objects are sometimes conventional and by likeness. Finally, from the information gathered indigenous object communication among the Yoruba society needs to be promoted extensively through educating the people more of its value.