AN ETHNOGRAPHIC STUDY OF EULOGY ON HEROES AND HEROINES IN IGBO LANGUAGE

This focus of this project work is to examine from a linguistics perspective, heroes and heroines eulogies in Igbo language. Eulogy is an intriguing aspect of linguistic expression in Igbo land as it encapsulates the essence of individuals on the entire speech communities. It is one of the important aspects of orature in Igbo language as the Igbos holds in high regards the good and heroic deeds of their people. The thrust of this study is an ethnographic analysis of these eulogies. To highlight the roles of eulogies in preserving the collective memory and cultural identity among Igbo people. Oral interviews were made in collection of the data for this study. A number of eulogies to certain heroes and heroines in Igbo land was collected and these data were analyzed using Dell Hymes’ S.P.E.A.K.I.N.G model of ethnography of communication. Each eulogy present was analysed in respect to ‘settings/scene’, ‘participants’, ‘ends’, ‘act of sequence’, ‘key’, ‘instrument’, ‘norms’, ‘genre’, of which the acronym ‘S.P.E.A.K.I.N.G’ was coined. The findings depicts huge cultural significance, oral traditions, linguistics expression, social cohesion, gender dynamics and adaptation to change. Ethnography of communication analysis entails the analysis of communication within the wider context of the social and cultural beliefs and practices of members of a particular culture or speech community. Documenting heroes and heroines eulogies preserves and ensure the continuity of this cultural heritage. Eulogies also are characterized by rich linguistics expressions including metaphors, proverbs and address terms. Eulogies provide a comprehensive understanding of the roles, contribution and importance of individuals within the Igbo society. This research study is recommended for further study, and for teaching the cultural significance and heritage of Igbo language in institutions.