LANGUAGE USE IN THE URHOBO MARRIAGE CEREMONY

Abstract

Marriage is a universal cultural practice. However, its performance is culture specific. Among the Urhobos, the customary marriage is one important aspect of its culture which is celebrated to establish a lasting union between married couples. Since language and culture are highly interwoven, the importance of language in the contract of Urhobo traditional marriage cannot be over-emphasized. This study is a linguistic analysis of the language use in Urhobo traditional marriage, focusing on how language is used verbal and non-verbal to express the culture of the people. The study is essentially based on primary data recorded from selected Urhobo traditional marriage ceremonies. The study examines how language is used as a tool in the expression of concepts such as negotiation, persuasion, resolution and linguistic etiquettes; which are all crucial to the marriage contract. The stylistic devices in the language are also explored. The study reveals that the exaggeration of the language of the spokespersons with the use of such stylistic devices as metaphors, proverbs and humor is highly appreciated. Again, adept linguistic skills are required for negotiations, conflict resolutions and the expression of linguistic etiquettes such as thanking, greetings and requests. The effective use of language in these situations ensures a smooth and peaceful marriage contract. Using sociolinguistics and discourse analysis, the study reveals a strong interrelation between the text, discourse practice and socio-cultural practice. Thus, both speakers and listeners must draw on a common socio-cultural knowledge in the production and interpretation of texts for effective understanding.