A PRAGMATIC ANALYSIS OF THE INTERPLAY BETWEEN CONTEXT AND ILLOCUTIONARY ACTS ON MEANING AND INTERPRETATION OF IGALA PROVERBS
ABSTRACT
Proverbs play very important functional, communicative and pragmatic roles in Igala language. Their social and contextual importance has been attested to by ethnographers, philosophers, literary and other language experts, as instruments of communication, cultural education and channel of language aesthetics, as a house of wisdom, garnished and sustained among the Igala of Northern Nigeria. It is, perhaps, unimaginable thata speech event, involving a competent Igala speaker will be successfully conducted and concluded without the use of the appropriate and, contextually suitable proverbs, in order to achieve the purpose of the discourse. In spite of their rich linguistic and pragmatic importance, however, Igala proverbs have not been accorded critical linguistic and especially pragmatic focus in research, especially in relation to with regards to the important role of contextual features used in the deciphering of meaning and interpretation.
This research examines Igala proverbs and the extent to which contextual features help in the interpreation of meaning and their uses in specific social contexts, the illocutionary acts performed both directly and indirectly, and the pragmatic value derivable from the analyses of each proverb. The theoretical framework for this study is based on Lawal (1997), which is a synthesis of the pragmatic insights of other linguists. The data for the study were obtained from audio recordings of Igala traditional performances during marriage and coronation ceremonies, conflict resolution sessions, village meetings, and structured interviews. Secondary sources of data were obtained from story books by writers of Igala extraction, and literature from other cultures.
Findings emanating from this study revealed that context is the determinant of meaning in pragmatic studies, especially in the analysis of Igala proverbs which are context sensitive and their meanings and interpretations are subject to their use and usage in a contextually conventional language environment. In context of this study, the illocutionary acts helped in the correlation of the degree of proverbs meaning, interpretation and functions especially in the determination and projection of the speaker’s intention, in the direct and the indirect illocutionary acts and the overall impact on meaning.On the whole, the study found that inspite of technological advancements; proverbs are still used extensively in Igala traditional societies. This research further reveals the love and admiration Igala speakers accord to Igala proverbs genre.
This study reveals that there is more to the study of a proverb than a mere mechanistic examination of its forms. Pragmatic mappings of contexts and competences at the linguistic, situational, social, sociological, psychological and cosmological levels as well as other pragmatic features such as Mutual Contextual Beliefs (MCBs), intentions of the speaker and the listener, the illocutionary acts performed, presupposition, inference, implicatures and intuition, all affect the meaning and interpretation of the proverb in language situations in an ethnographic setting.
CHAPTER ONE
Introduction
1.1 Background to the Study
Across languages and cultures, proverbs constitute a very important aspect of language use. Hence, they have been subject of varying attention from linguists, anthropologists and language users in general. They have also been described and labelled in various ways in different languages and cultures. For example, the Yoruba refer to proverbs as a kind of horse, which comes handy in recovering a speech that has derailed. Among the Igbo, proverbs are “the palm oil with which words are eaten” and they form “an aspect of language use, which not only makes a point, but fixes in our minds” (Achebe, 1958:6).
Even the scriptures are not silent on proverbs. Proverbs 1:1-7 (The Holy Bible,New International Version, 1984), explains that proverbs help the wise inincreasing his wisdom, while enabling the discerning to get guidance. Proverbs in different languages and cultures form part of the codes of behaviour and exemplify their use for the transmission of tribal wisdom and rules of conduct (The New Encyclopaedia Britannica, 1992:749). In fact, Gadzar (1980:84) refers to proverbs as a short-handframe of reference to the moral and ethical inclinations of a people. They could form part of a class that comprises the origin of myths, folk-tales and songs, which feature in conversation between adults. Fergasson (1983:63) believes that proverbs “mirror the life of the people, reflect what they do, what and how they think, how they live, what values they admire or abhor and what joys and sorrows they experience”.
CHAPTER TWO
2.0 Literature Review
2.1 Introduction
The review of relevant literature is the main topic of this chapter. A literature review covers theoretical and methodological contributions to a certain issue in addition to the state of knowledge at the time of writing. It provides information about the state of the art in relation to the subject you are writing about. It examines the body of work on the chosen subject. The literature evaluation in this study comprises the …
Procedure for Downloading the PDF (Docx) Material
A Pragmatic Analysis of the Interplay Between Context and Illocutionary Acts on Meaning and Interpretation of Igala Proverbs can be downloaded by requesting the full set of materials at the project or seminar cost. The document will be sent via Microsoft Word (MS-Word) format via WhatsApp (e-mail) following payment confirmation.
| Seminar Material Cost ₦3,000 | Project Material Cost ₦5,000 |
Request Complete Material
 | Click here to request the Complete Material via WhatsApp including;
|
Disclaimer for Complete Material Utilization
The displayed research work titled "A Pragmatic Analysis of the Interplay Between Context and Illocutionary Acts on Meaning and Interpretation of Igala Proverbs" is stated as a research guideline towards accomplishing your assigned project / seminar research work. All the research materials on this website are ONLY for research purposes and should be used as a guideline in developing your research work. For no reason should you copy word for word as projectlist.com.ng will not be liable for any who copied the material. By ordering the complete research guideline, it signifies that you've accepted our terms of service.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can the material for “Northern Feudalism and Voters Mobilization in the 2015 Presidential Elections” be used as a guide for Political Science Project?
Yes it can be used — The study was designed to investigate the attributes of Northern Feudalism in relation to the mobilization of voters’ in the just conclude 2015 presidential election. In this study, an application of theory of Marxian political economy relating to a society at the feudal stage of development reveals the kind of relationship that exist between the Northern leaders and the masses. Also, the dependency theory as applied explains what the scenario is like in the north especially between the leaders who have it all and the masses who seek after better life and the abidance to religious doctrine (s). Lastly, theory of ethnic mobilization as espoused by Peter Veermesch (2011) explains why in their state the voters in northern Nigeria are …
Can the material for “The Old Testament's Shepherd Motif and its Relevance for Nigerian Leadership” be used as a guide for Business Administration and Management (BAM) Project?
Yes it can be used — The shepherd metaphor is an appropriate and useful image for depicting the nature, role, and proper functions of faithful leadership among God’s people. The study was carried out to examine the Old Testament's Shepherd Motif and its Relevance for Nigerian Leadership. In achieving this aim, the following specific objectives were laid out to explore the most effective and sustainable role of the shepherd enshrined in Old Testament relevant to the role of the pastor in the church today and provide an adequate translation and interpretation that will correct the misunderstanding and misconception of the shepherd motif which has been subjected to criticism in recent times. Investigation revealed that Shepherd Motif in the Old Testament has been misinterpreted, misunderstood and subjected …
Can this topic “Design and Construction of 1Kva Inverter” be used for Electrical / Electronics Engineering (EE) Project?
Yes it can be utilized for research — The purpose of this project is to design and construct a 1000Watts (1KW) 220 Volts Inverter at a frequency of 50Hz. This device is constructed with locally sourced components and materials of regulated standards. The basic principle of its operation is a simple conversion of 12V DC from a battery using integrated circuits and semiconductors at a frequency of 50Hz, to a 220V AC across the windings of a transformer. An additional power supply to the public power supply with the same power output is thus provided at an affordable price. …
Is the topic “The Perception of Farmers on the Effect of Climate Change on Farm Produce” recommended for Agricultural Engineering (AE) Project?
Yes it is highly recommended — The research was carried out based on the perception of farmers of the effect of climate change on farm produce. The aim of the study was to identify various climatic factors that can affect farming system which include sunrise (hot temperature), winter, equinox, rainfall, summer, coldness, wind etc and also places where lakes, rivers ocean / sea, stream, rocks/ hills forest etc are available . Critically, the study revealed that rainfall and dry season are the common features in Nigerian climate which are the natural determinant for farm produce. The study assessed the problems associated with climate change and how farmers can cope with such effects. It was deduced from the study that high temperature can be harmful to crop produce and excessive rainfall …
Is the topic “Investigating the Presence of Staphylococcus Aureus and Escherichia Coli in Dairy Products” recommended for Pharmaceutical Technology / Science Project?
Yes it is highly recommended — Dairy products or milk products are a type of food produced containing the milk of mammals, most commonly cattle, water buffaloes, goats, sheep, and camels. Dairy products include food items such as yogurt, cheese and butter. Milk is a highly nutritious food that serves as an excellent growth medium for a wide range of microorganism. The study was carried out to investigate the Presence of Staphylococcus Aureus and Escherichia Coli in Dairy Products. In achieving this aim the following specific objectives were considered to isolate and identify Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli present in Yoghurt, Nono and Madara, determine the most predominant of the above mentioned organisms in Yoghut, Nono and Madara, and determine the antimicrobial susceptibility of the above …
Can the material for “Availability and Accessibility of Information Resources by Students in Tertiary Institution” be used as a guide for Library and Information Science (LIS) Project?
Yes it can be used — The research was designed to investigate the availability and accessibility of information resources of federal polytechnic Nekede students. The library promoter’s economic and social growth of the student daily needs to be more appreciated in our society. The available resources of the library starting with direct purchase, gift, inter library organize the information material preserves and makes them accessible to user of the library. …
Can the material for “The Need for Guidance and Psychosocial, Vocational Education Among Nigerian University Students” be used as a guide for Guidance and Counselling Project?
Yes it can be used — This study was carried out on guidance and psychosocial, vocational education among Nigerian university students. Career guidance and counselling processes need permeate teacher education in post primary, tertiary and adult education settings, in order to encourage learners to consider the broadest possible range of options. The study was guided by Albert Bandura (1986) social learning theory. Main goal of guidance and counseling is to help people understand themselves in order to deal with life experiences in a healthy manner, by being able to recognize the factors that cause problems and look for appropriate methods of resolving or avoiding the situations that may lead to unhealthy lifestyles. Effective guidance and counseling service need to be based on a complete understanding of student …
Can the material for “Online Implementation of Population Analysis System” be used as a guide for Computer Science (CS) Project?
Yes it can be used — Computerized Based Population Analysis System includes the sets of methods that allow us to measure the dimensions and dynamics of populations. These methods have primarily been developed to study human populations, but are extended to a variety of areas where researchers want to know how populations of social actors can change across time through processes of birth, death, and migration. The purpose of this study is to eliminate errors involved in demographic data/information. This is actualized by designing computerized based analysis system for National Population Commission which is user friendly and interactive. By the time this software is designed and implemented, the difficulties encountered with manual method of keeping demographic information will be eliminated. The motivation came after the last …
Can this topic “The Impact of Government Regulatory Agencies of National Development in Nigeria” be used for Public Administration (PA) Project?
Yes it can be utilized for research — This study is designed to x-ray the activities and the impact of government regulatory agencies on national development. In the course of this research work, the researcher adopted the survey method. 100 questionnaires were distributed to the sample of 100 selected respondents in some department of the agencies. So, out the questionnaires distributed analyzed by the aid of simple percentage. On the course of the research findings, the investigator discovered that the agency was in the business of the research finding, the investigation discovered that agency was in the business of elimination and preventing drug addiction and safeguarding the health of the nation. Similarity, the activities of the agency are impeded by unexpected drug traffickers activities, insecurity of staff, low …
Is the topic “Problem and Prospects of Distributing Soft Drinks Products” recommended for Public Administration (PA) Project?
Yes it is highly recommended — This research set out to evaluate the nature and channels of distribution of 7 up soft drinks product in Enugu Metropolis. It arose as a result of the need to find out the problem being encouraged by the company in distributing it’s soft drink. The study basically adopted the survey method of research to this end, and also research made a detailed study as the related study of work which other researcher have done a similar or related areas of study. In order to find out the relationship with particular reference to 7 up bottling company the researcher apart from information gathered from interviewed respondents. After the careful analysis of the data collected, it was found that with respect to 7 up …