HONORIFIC SYSTEM OF THE YORUBA PEOPLE
Faculty
Department
Year of Publication
Publication Type
Abstract
The study aimed to examine honorific system of the Yoruba people by analyzing the use of honorifics in conveying respect and social hierarchy, investigating the maintenance or alteration of honorific practices in urban and rural settings, and lastly, by examining the challenges faced by the honorific system in the context of modernization. Primary and secondary methods of data
collection was employed for this study. primary include participant observation while secondary include books, online materials and journals . The theoretical framework used for the analysis was the "Politeness Theory" by Brown and Levinson (1978). Findings are: Maintaining social relationship through respect and deferences. It also highlight the importance of gender specific
honorifics, ensuring that both men and women in position of authority receive proper recognition. Furthermore, it shows deference and acknowledge social hierarchy, aligning with the positive politeness strategy, where respect to show through inclusion and acknowledgement of higher status. It emphasize hierarchical structures speakers within themselves with the social norms and
values of the community, showing their understanding the need to respect positions of power. The study concluded that the Yoruba honorific system remains a crucial aspect of social interaction, promoting respect and maintaining social order. However, its use is adapting in response to modernization, particularly in urban settings, presenting both opportunities and challenges for the future preservation of these cultural practices. The researcher recommends further studies in this particular area and any aspect not touched in this study should be treated by linguist, scholars or any other researchers who have interest in honorific system of the Yoruba people or any dialect of the language.
collection was employed for this study. primary include participant observation while secondary include books, online materials and journals . The theoretical framework used for the analysis was the "Politeness Theory" by Brown and Levinson (1978). Findings are: Maintaining social relationship through respect and deferences. It also highlight the importance of gender specific
honorifics, ensuring that both men and women in position of authority receive proper recognition. Furthermore, it shows deference and acknowledge social hierarchy, aligning with the positive politeness strategy, where respect to show through inclusion and acknowledgement of higher status. It emphasize hierarchical structures speakers within themselves with the social norms and
values of the community, showing their understanding the need to respect positions of power. The study concluded that the Yoruba honorific system remains a crucial aspect of social interaction, promoting respect and maintaining social order. However, its use is adapting in response to modernization, particularly in urban settings, presenting both opportunities and challenges for the future preservation of these cultural practices. The researcher recommends further studies in this particular area and any aspect not touched in this study should be treated by linguist, scholars or any other researchers who have interest in honorific system of the Yoruba people or any dialect of the language.
Supervisor(s)
co-supervisor