A Sociolinguistic Analysis of Traditional Marriage Terms in Awgbu-Igbo

Abstract

This research is a sociolinguistic analysis of traditional marriage terms in Awgbu, an Igbo-speaking community in Anambra State, Nigeria. The study, which adopts a qualitative research design, aims to gain insights into the social, cultural and linguistic changes in Awgbu-Igbo regarding traditional marriage terms. For data collection, indigenous Awgbu older men and women from the five villages in Awgbu who are knowledgeable in traditional marriage practices of Awgbu were interviewed using traditional marriage list of Awgbu. Traditional marriage terms, consisting of 40 terms, were collected from their responses. The theoretical framework for data analysis is J.R. Firth’s (1957) and Fillmore (1984) Lexical Semantics Theory. The findings from this research show that traditional marriage terms have socio-cultural significance in Awgbu. These terms have also changed due to globalisation, modernisation, and Christianity. Such changes involve the eradication of the ị́gbāḿmị́ị́ ceremony and ínēnē ụ́nọ̀ rites due to globalisation. Also, the use of òbènè (calabash), ìtóòtù (ceramic pot) and ìkóḿmị́ị̄/ḿmānyá (traditional cups) are now replaced with gallons, plastic and breakable cups. Likewise, the practice of égwúìtìrìm̀mọ́nwụ́ which involves dance and music performance is no longer feasible, signaling the loss of an exciting Awgbu culture.