CONTEXT SENSITIVITY IN IGBO PROVERBS

ABSTRACT

This study carefully examines the aesthetic and context sensitive nature of the Igbo proverbs. This research is meant to arrive at giving an insight to the igbo proverbs, and placing the Igbo proverbs in the right context that they can be used. Also, identifying proverbs that can be context sensitive. During this research various books, journals, and experts and data where sourced for both primarily and secondarily to enable this research achieve the desired result. The study is primarily aimed at subjecting the Igbo proverbs to critical analysis in respect to the context that they can be used. a number of data were gathered for analysis. These data where contextually analyzed and the functions of these proverbs where also stated. It was observed that there is a communication gap between the younger generation and the older generation of Igbo natives when it comes to communicating with proverbs. The younger generation finds it difficult to infuse proverbs in discuss when the use of proverbs is supposed to be one of the integral parts of the Igbo language. Addressing this issue resulted in embarking on this research.Some findings of this research as this research proceeded where that proverbs possess dual meaning (literal and figurative meanings). For a hearer to understand a proverb well, the figurative meaning must also be understood. It was also observed that all proverbs perform specific functions according to the context that they are being used. It was also observed that aside conveyance of cultural meanings, proverbs perform certain discourse functions which will strengthen communication. The theory used for analysis in this research was the contextual approach theory which was propounded by Roger Abraham.