ABSTRACT
This study is a focus on documentation of agricultural terms in Usen dialect. The study aim is to document and analyze agricultural terms within the Usen community, elucidating their cultural significance and linguistic characteristics. The research study seeks to address this gap by undertaking a thorough examination of Usen's agricultural terminology, with the aim of documenting, analyzing, and interpreting its cultural significance, linguistic characteristics, and socio-historical context. The data for this study was collected using oral interview, the data was collected using a combination of qualitative research methods was employed. This includes interviews with members of the Usen community around Benin city, particularly elders and individuals with expertise in agriculture. Additionally, observation and ethnographic fieldwork was conducted to document agricultural practices and terminology in situ. Archival research and document analysis may also be utilized to supplement primary data collection efforts. The theoretical framework draws from Linguistic anthropology, which is a subfield of anthropology that investigates the role of language in social life, culture, and human cognition. It explores how language shapes and reflects social identities, power relations, and cultural practices within diverse communities around the world. The findings revealed that the agricultural lexicon of the Usen dialect, uncovers a rich tapestry of terms related to tools, crops, livestock, and miscellaneous items. It showcases the cultural significance of agricultural tools and equipment, revealing how they symbolize resilience, resourcefulness, and community cooperation among Usen farmers. Through the documentation of crops and plants, the research elucidates their integral role in Usen cuisine, economy, and cultural traditions, underscoring their importance as sources of sustenance, income, and cultural identity. Livestock terms shed light on the diverse roles of domesticated animals in Usen society, highlighting their symbolic value, economic significance, and contributions to food security and cultural practices. The study recommends that further studies delve deeper into the interplay between linguistic diversity and agricultural practices within the Usen community.
