DEPARTMENT OF LINGUISTICS STUDIES

This research focuses on the socio-semantic analysis on belief of preordained names in Yoruba. It explores the values, interpretation and how these names are considered to influence its bearers in the society. This help understand the deeper meanings of these names, which not only serve as a label but embody cultural and historical context. The study adopted sociolinguistics theory adopted and embraced by many scholars such as William Labov and Dell Hymes for the description and analysis of the data. This study used both the primary and secondary method of data collection. The primary method of data collection was used my oral interview and telephone calls from Yoruba informants of 35-60 years age range. The secondary method of data collection was used through watching of different YouTube videos by elderly Yoruba speakers. This study arranged the preordained names into five classes for better understanding and analysed the names showing the beliefs, values of Yoruba people. The study addressed 3 main objectives, the first was grouping the preordained names into 5 categories: Lastly future researchon preordained names could be the exploration of the impact of globalization and cultural exchange on naming practices. This could involves Studying how names are influenced by cross-cultural interactions, migration, and the adoption of names from different languages and cultures.

This study investigates the phenomenon of conceptual metaphors in the Yoruba language, focusing on how emotions are expressed and conceptualized through linguistic discourse. These selected discourses will be subjected to qualitative content analysis and cognitive linguistic tools. The analysis will focus on identifying metaphorical expressions related to emotions and categorizing them based on the conceptual domains from which they originate. Drawing upon the Conceptual Metaphor Theory proposed by Lakoff and Johnson, the research aims to analyze selected Yoruba discourses to uncover the underlying conceptual metaphors used in expressions of emotions. The study adopts a qualitative approach, employing semantic analysis techniques to examine linguistic expressions and their metaphorical mappings onto emotional experiences in Yoruba culture. Through a careful examination of authentic spoken discourse, this project work identified recurrent metaphorical patterns and explored their cultural and cognitive implications. From the aspect of the rich linguistic and cultural context of the Yoruba language, this study contributes to a deeper understanding of how emotions are conceptualized and communicated within the Yoruba community. The findings of this research sheds light on the intricate interplay between language, culture, and emotion, providing valuable insights for cross-cultural communication studies and cognitive linguistics

This study explores the intricate effects of family norms on language use - using the Igbo language as a case study. The theoretical framework employed in this research work is the Ethnography of Communication SPEAKING model proposed by Dell Hymes of 1964.This theoretical framework was deemed suitable and appropriate for this research because it shows that communication is a comprehensive and intricate act that requires an expect manipulation on the part of the speaker and good listening skills on the addressee’s part. Oral data were gathered through an oral interview from adult male and female within the ages of forty (40) - sixty (70) years and above of the Igbo language native speakers. Some of the findings of this research includes that in the Igbo family, idioms and metaphor could be employed to share experiences and impact wisdom indirectly. For example, the idiom “mmada aburo chukwu” (No one is God). Also, the intricate interplay between politeness, respect and hierarchy within an Igbo family profoundly influences language use. This linguistics etiquette sustains the rich cultural heritage, fosters strong bonds and upholds the values and harmony across generations. Also, in conversation, it is customary to acknowledge elders first before addressing others. This demonstrates hierarchical structure and respect for age. Depending on the time of day, customary greeting such as “ututu oma” (good morning) or “Ehihi oma” (good morning) are exchanged as a sign of respect for age.

The segmental tone analysis, appreciates each and every speech sound in altercation, both in articulation or deletion. Extant studies tend to see the tone as a purely suprasegmental feature of sounds in the language, but the current
study seeks to depart from this position by advocating for tones to be treated as both a segmental and suprasegmental phenomena in Edo language .This work relies on data collected from interview of native speakers which was
complemented by already published works. The analysis was done using an adapted combination of both linear and auto segmental phonology to analyze the data collected. Individual sound segments influences tone realization
notably enough to justify the accreditation. It is the position of this work that tones be credited to being both segmental and suprasegmental.

This study examines the register analysis of legal profession among Asaba lawyers. The term register here describes here describes the language of groups of people with common interests or jobs or the language used in situational with such groups (Holmes, 2012:246).
It critically examines constructions of words, phrases and dialogues used in the courtroom setting and consultation on legal advice at chambers. The theoretical framework adopted for this work is basic linguistics descriptive theory to describe and analyze data.
This research is to identify the registers and utterances that are evident among the legal profession and expressions to also examine their communicative functions. This research made use of qualitative methodology designed to carefully obtain information concerning the current status of phenomena.
The primary source of the data for this work was collected via series of interaction with learned counsels both young and old taking a further analysis and researchers personal observation were key essentials in the data collection.
The findings in this study reveal that legal expressions language is an integral part to communicate effectively and responsibly.

This project delves into the emergency and evolution of post proverbiums in Nigeria pidgin. Post proverbs have long served as a powerful medium of communication, cultural expression and social commentary in Nigeria. This study aims to explore the use of post proverbs in Nigeria pidgin, how post proverbs has successfully influenced the Nigerian society today.
The research methodology involves collecting and analysing a diverse range of proverbs from various sources, including literature, social media, conversations and media platforms through a combination of quantitative analysis. The findings of the study shed light on how Nigeria pidgin are used to express contemporary proverbs which reflects the modern society (technology, globalization,). Additionally, the study highlights the role of post proverbs in advising, entertaining and fostering oneness.
In conclusion, the research contributes to the understanding of evolving nature of post proverbs in Nigeria pidgin, since this area has not been properly researched on.

This paper investigated pronunciation difficulties encountered by Yoruba-speaking learners of English with a view to determining the causes and types of error committed by Yoruba learners of English. The sample for this study were 10 Yoruba speakers of the Ibadan standard variety selected randomly. For gathering data, phonemic chart of English and Yoruba language were juxtaposed in which five consonant phonemes of English that are non-native to Yoruba language were selected and 15 words each containing the target phonemes were formed for the first four consonants while 24 words containing the target sound/phonemes were formed for the last consonant phoneme. The words were later given to our participants to pronounce and the pronunciations were recorded and transcribed according to how they were pronounced Data for this paper are analyzed using Dulay’s surface strategy taxonomy (1982) this theory classified error into four types they are : (i) error of omission (ii) error of addition, (iii) error of misformation, (iv) error of misordering. In order to ascertain the types of error Dulay et al (1982) claimed that learners may commit error by adding an unnecessary linguistic unit or omit necessary items, they may also misform or misorder them. The findings of this research revealed that Yoruba-speaking learners of English mispronounced certain consonant phonemes of English and mother tongue interference is the major contributing factor to this problem.

The concept of code-switching is a common language contact phenomenon among bilinguals in
the whole world, especially in situations where all the participants in a speech act are from the
same bilingual background. Also, code-switching is used to achieve a variety of goals in
communication because it is grammatically rule-governed. Again, what is peculiar about code- switching in the Nigerian situation and particularly among Nguru Igbo-English bilinguals living
in Abuja is the direction and dimension it takes. In the negative light, and very unfortunate too, the code-switching behaviour among Igbo-English bilinguals have assumed an alarming position, especially in recent times. This could be seen in the recent statements and comments made by
Igbo linguists, who assume that in the nearest future, their mother tongue may be endangered. In
the positive light, generally, code switching facilitates communication. This study, therefore, examines the socio-pragmatic analysis of code-switching and its effects in
communication among Igbo-English bilinguals

This study delves into the cultural, linguistic, and social significance of chieftaincy titles in the Benin Kingdom, focusing on the Ẹdo community in present-day Ẹdo State, Nigeria. Through a qualitative research approach encompassing interviews, focus groups, and textual analysis, the research explores the semantic meanings, symbolic representations, and historical narratives embedded within chieftaincy titles. The findings reveal the pivotal role of these titles as cultural artifacts that reflect historical lineage, social status, and the values of the Benin Kingdom. Additionally, the study highlights the adaptability of chieftaincy titles to changing societal dynamics and modernization trends while upholding cultural traditions and spiritual beliefs. The research underscores the intricate interplay between language, culture, and identity reflected in these titles, emphasizing their function in preserving cultural heritage, transmitting traditional knowledge, and fostering community solidarity among the Ẹdo people. Overall, this study contributes to a deeper understanding of the dynamic nature of chieftaincy titles in navigating modern life while upholding the rich cultural heritage of the Benin Kingdom.

This study is based on the address forms of Ijaw youths, A case Study of
Egbema clan. This research of address forms of Ijaw youths in terms of the
linguistics features that help the people in the region to achieve politeness
when addressing their elders and co-youths. In Egbema region we based our
analysis on respect or insult on agreement about the underlying rules of
speech and or social meaning of linguistics feature however; asymmetrical
exchanges where found where there were age differences or occupational
rank difference in the Egbema region. Intimacy was related to the use of
multiple names in Egbema clan. The address forms of Ijaw usage such as
general address forms, address forms itself, address forms by greetings, address forms by expression, by peer groups, by friend’s age mates, adults, youths and colleagues were all investigated. The method of data collection
in this study was to examine the various address forms, by written, speeches, greetings styles of addressing their elders and co-youths in Egbema clan, and the questionnaires and personnel interview were the primary source of
data collection. While the Secondary source of data collection include
textbooks, journals, magazines both local and foreign, monographs
linguistics books, research works of prominent writers, dictionaries and
internet. This method, with this we have been able to discovered that address
forms for Ijaw youths in Egbema clan is very necessary to adopt. The
Egbema clan studies, oral and personnel observation were conducted to
complement the role of the questionnaires. The address forms of Ijaw youths, a case of Egbema clan has been the focus of this research, I have been able
to explore the different strategies Ijaw language adopt, and with this studies
the following findings was made. There is enough evidence to show that the
address form of Ijaw youths in Egbema clan is very effective. My findings
and observation in the cause of this research is that: The address form of
Ijaw youths in Egbema clan is different and choice compared to other Izon
clans. There is proof that the control of the elders in the region is very
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necessary in terms of address forms. The use of address forms in Egbema
such as politeness, greetings and so on helps the youths in the regions to
know their elders and co-youths.