Thematic Analysis of Appellations among the Tongu-Ewes of the Volta Region of Ghana: The Case of Agave Traditional Area

Abstract

This study focuses on the thematic analysis of appellations among the Tongu-Ewe of the Volta Region of Ghana: the case of Agave Traditional Area. The study indicates that themes are important and central to the study of appellations because the audiences are interested in knowing the central ideas in the text. The study lays emphasis on the notion that the audience are interested because appellations are also maxims, philosophies or principles that guide the life of individuals in the society. It was revealed that most of the themes are based on life situations such as truth, love, honesty, struggle, hatred, violence and all other virtues and vices of life. It has been noticed that most of the motifs or themes evolve from political, economic, religious and social life of the people. The understanding of themes in appellations can only be realized when the stem and its explanation or justification is considered and analysed as most of the themes are inherent. It was indicated that appellations are performed orally through dialogue. This aspect of appellation performance is mostly ignored by the society. The fact was established that dialogue is important in the rendering of the genre in several ways. Dialogue helps to reveal the theme and characters in the text and thus raises the emotions of renderers and audience for the understanding of the message. Through the dialogue, the social status of the renderers and their diction is revealed. The researcher adopted interview as a tool for his research. He concentrated on clan heads, family heads and those who are knowledgeable in this field to solicit his information on thematic appellations. From the findings of the study, one can infer that the environment has tremendous influence on the life of the citizens of Tongu-Ewe. In the light of this, it is being suggested that the citizens must be sensitized to embrace and support the states policy on environmental protection so as to preserve and sustain the composition and the use of appellations. It was established that appellations are a potent force for the resolution of conflicts in order to ensure peace and stability in the society. In line with this revelation, it is useful to suggest that the mere inclusion of the genre in the Ghanaian languages curriculum is not enough. Policy makers must ensure the effective teaching and learning of not only appellations but also the other oral arts in order for them to achieve their educational objectives.