UZONDU CHUKWUEMIKA MICHAEL

This study examines the use of proverbs in Igbo traditional communication from a pragmatic perspective. It aims to show how Igbo proverbs serve as tools for expressing wisdom, maintaining social harmony, and conveying meaning beyond the surface level of words. Data for the study were drawn from selected Igbo proverbs commonly used in daily communication. The analysis focused on how context, speaker intention, and cultural knowledge shape the interpretation and functions of these proverbs. Findings reveal that Igbo proverbs perform several communicative and social functions such as advising, warning, correcting, teaching moral values, promoting unity, and reinforcing cultural norms. The study further shows that the pragmatic meaning of a proverb depends largely on the situation in which it is used and the shared understanding between speaker and listener. The research concludes that proverbs remain a vital aspect of Igbo language and culture, serving as effective tools for teaching, persuasion, and cultural preservation. It recommends that more attention be given to the teaching and documentation of proverbs to sustain their communicative and cultural relevance in modern Igbo society.