ANALYSIS OF LANGUAGE AND LINGUISTIC FEATURES IN IGBO TRADITIONAL MARRIAGE SONGS: A FUNCTIONALIST APPROACH

Abstract

The goals of the study are to examine the language and the linguistic features of Igbo traditional marriage songs and also to show the relevance of these songs in the lives of the Igbo people. A qualitative research design is used in this study. The Data of the study were gathered through library and fieldwork. In order to construct a working theoretical framework, journal articles, dissertations, and thesis were consulted. The researchers acquired data from the fieldwork through oral interviews, observation, and participation in traditional marriage rites in various regions of Igbo territory. The functionalist theory is used in analysing the data. The methods of data analysis showcased that these data were translated into English from Igbo. Equally, notes generated during the interview, observation, and participation were analysed descriptively. The study finds out that women use marriage songs to express their anxieties, worry, and uneasiness about venturing into the marriage. The study also reveals the joyous and happy occasion of Igbo traditional marriage. Also, Igbo thoughts are revealed in the joyful mood and dismal ambience established in some of their songs. The study also finds out that women use marriage songs to comment on the intricacies of reality in the married venture. The findings of the study finally show that Igbo marriage songs contain imagery, repetitions, humour, alliteration, satire, and allusion. These are linguistic features deliberately crafted to teach the bride and groom Igbo societal expectations from them.