DEPARTMENT OF LINGUISTIC STUDIES

This study investigates the phonology of Uvwie, an endangered language spoken in parts of Delta State, aiming to construct orthography for the language. Orthography is a system which facilitates the writing of a language, and its documentation. It also facilitates literacy in the language. It refers to the agreed system (of alphabets) used to represent the spoken form of a given language. Literacy as well as documentation– as means for revitalising or maintaining an endangered language – requires the creation of a writing system for the language (Cf. Grenoble and Whaley, 2006).The study is thus motivated, in part, by the need to
codify the language. In addition, implementing Nigeria’s policy on language of instruction in pre-primary and early primary education (See NPE, 2004) in the Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State also requires that a writing system should be constructed for Uvwie, the ‘language of the immediate environment’; hence this study. The process employed in designing the proposed orthography in this work is not haphazard but follows certain principles and procedures: main research tools are Sociophonology (cf. Awonusi, 2007; Milroy, 2001; Ugorji, 2009) and the Principles of Orthography (Williamson 1984). Data were 7
drawn from native speakers using the SIL wordlist, and phonetically transcribed. The outcome of the analyses is an inventory of ‘socio- phonemes’ and tonemes, to which orthographic equivalence are assigned for the purpose of writing the language.

This study aims to analyze the morphological structures and forms of language used by Instagram users, highlighting the innovative ways in which they modify and create words in their social media interactions. The set objectives include: to identify and categorize various morphological patterns, including neologisms, abbreviations, and blends, that are commonly used in Instagramposts and comments; to examine the sociolinguistic factors that influence the creation and usage of these morphological forms, including age, cultural background, and social context; to analyze the impact of Instagram's visual nature on language use, particularly how images and emojis interact with and shape word forms; and to contribute to the broader discourse of language evolution in digital communication by offering insights into how social media platforms influence morphological innovation in everyday language. Data for the study was collected using a qualitative content analysis approach focused on Instagram posts and comments. The primary source of data consisted of public posts tagged with specific hashtags relevant to language use, such as wordplay, slang, and neologism, which are likely to showcase a rich variety of morphological innovations. Additionally, a sample of comments beneath selected posts were included to capture the interactive aspect of communication on the platform. A systematic sampling method was employed to ensure diverse representation across different user demographics, including age, gender, and cultural background. The data collection also consideredvarying types of users, such as influencers and everyday users, to examine anyvariations in morphological language use. This process was conducted over aspecified timeframe to ensure relevance and currency in the examples beinganalyzed. Qualitative content analysis was utilized to systematically analyze themorphological structures identified in the Instagram posts and comments. The10analysis involved coding the data to identify recurring patterns, categories, and themes related to morphological innovations, such as initialisms, abbreviations, and affixations. Each identified instance of morphologicalstructure was examined in context to understand its usage, meaning, andpotential sociolinguistic influences.

The Bini people occupies the south/mid-western part of Nigeria now called Edo State. Edo state is the heartbeat of Nigeria and the cultural hub and crossroads of the country. Here a tourist will experience the real excitement of contemporary life and profound sense of history. Edo is predominately homogenous(same kind) and inhabited by the Bini speaking group. Their behavioral pattern is the same as they tend to trace their ancestry to the Benin kingdom.
This study aims at highlighting with thorough description, the cultural practices in Bini tradition, their traditional Rites and their gender differentiation. These traditional rites includes; burial rites, marriage rites ,alongside the various festivals in Bini such as the Igue and New yam festival. In Bini kingdom, gender differentiation is a critical aspect of their day to day life. There are things only women can do and say, and men cannot do or say. Same goes with the men, there are things they are allowed to do and also not allowed to do. In Bini gender differentiation, some of the acts are accepted while some of them are termed "dehumanizing". The present study employed data obtained through personal interviews ( A face to face) discussion, and question and answer segment.

This work examines language change in the English language. It will provide an overview of the English language. This work will give a timeline of the English language with concentration on potential social factors that influenced changes in English. The objective of this research is to create a source document that contains a look into the diachronic and synchronic change of the English language. It is intended to examine the linguistic changes; that have occurred on the language. This work is intended to encourage acceptance of new forms in the English language as these changes are a constant in language growth. The framework used includes the lexical, morphological, phonological, syntactic and semantic analysis of the English language from its recorded beginning. The data for this work was collected via a study of already existing documentation and the researcher’s knowledge on the topic in question. On the basis of this researcher’s findings, it was observed that the various types of English language are used in different levels of communication and also in different mediums; of communication. It was also observed that even though certain types of English are the standard, some ‘non standard’ types are spoken as an L1 and are picking up traction towards standardisation.

This research is a study on the concept of abuse and abuse terms as used
by the Igbos with the Orlu community as a case study. Attention is givento the
different forms that abuses take in the language community. Using the contextual
theory of semantics, this study presents and describes data from Orlu village. Data analyzed shows that abuse terms in the language may be classified into
three different categories based on their association with animals, human
attributes, and evil phenomena. This research details how these abuse terms are
used, their meanings as well as how the contexts of useplay a very vital role in
determining the meaning of an abuse term in sync with the speaker/abuser’s
intention. The findings of this work orderly presented in the last chapter of this
work are useful for both native speakers of Igbo language and can also act as a
source of reference for linguistic researchers in the language and beyond who
seek to further study the nature of abuse as one of the functions to which humans
put languages.

ABSTRACT
“Language is defined as a purely human and non-instinctive method of
communicating ideas, emotions and desires by means of voluntary produced
symbols". Edward Sapir (1922). The word "language " is used in modern times not
only for natural languages like Igbo, Yoruba, Hausa, Edo, English, French but also
for a variety of the system of communication. Language is used to serve a variety
of needs which are either positive or negative in every society. This study
undertakes an exploration of the sociolinguistic dimension surrounding taboos
within the Ora community. Taboos, serving as cultural and social limitations,
govern conduct and language usage within the confines of a distinct community.
Understanding these taboos is crucial for corresponding within the Ora society.
This investigation delves into the essence, purpose and consequence of taboos in
language applications as well as their ramifications on social bonds and cultural
traditions. This work investigates the sociolinguistic features of taboos as they are
used among the members of the Ora language community. The research adopts
Hymes Ethnography of communication (1962) as the framework of investigation.
Utilizing the SPEAKING model derived from Ethnography of communication
theory, data is analysed. This data is sourced from the Natives of Ora language,
aimed at exploring the nature of Taboos. Furthermore, the study underscore how
the presence of taboos and the use of euphemism aids in regulating responsible and
prosperous living within the Ora society. Through an examination of available data,
the research also confirms that employing euphemistic language serves to prevent
language taboos and enhance effective and responsible communication.
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