Semantic Analysis of the Language of Kolanut Presentation in the Ika Language

ABSTRACT

This paper investigates semantic analysis of the language of the kolanut presentation in Ika. It seeks to examine the meaning, types of kolanut presentation, significance of the lobes, occasions that involves kolanut presentation in the Ika language. The study adopted descriptive approach, using the method of data collection that involves application of oral interview, four research questions were used to illicit responses from four elders. The study reveals that the community is more comfortable in expressing their thoughts, minds, beliefs and values with kolanut presentation. The study reveals that the language pattern of the people (dialect) affects/reflects their way of doing things when communicating with ancestors, and that kolanut presentation plays symbolic roles in enhancing social harmony, peace and unity when communicating with ancestors either for appeasing or requesting for protection and favour, which implies that the meaning of linguistic term must be in terms of the situation or context in which the utterance was made. The study further revealed that there is language pattern/procedure which must be strictly adhered to in kola nut presentation for every occasion, and that each occasion has its peculiar language pattern [use] which must be reflected in the process of kola nut presentation. These processes bring out the peoples’ beliefs, norms, values and cultural practices as both language and kola nut presentations are symbols of cultural identity. Semantically, the study will benefit the youths of Ika and other Nigerians as a whole. The study hopes to elicit/encourage elders and academians on the need to educate the young generation on some socio-cultural issues about their society such as kolanut presentations since education is society based. This study will equally enhance youths to appreciate and develop interest in their cultural identities and practices like Kolanut and its presentation. They will see it as a vehicle of unification among Ika and the Nigerian society at large. The study will bridge the gap in knowledge on the effect of society on language and kolanut presentation among Ika language. The study recommends that youths should be exposed and encouraged to appreciate their cultural identity, heritage, norms, values and practices especially as it concerns kolanut and its presentation which is a symbol of national and African unity.

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