The Pragmatic Speech Acts in Selected Ife-Olukotun Eulogies (Oríkì)

Bossan, Rita; Saliu, Rofiat

Journal of Languages and Translation
Volume 6, Numéro 2, Pages 17-27
2026-07-01

The Pragmatic Speech Acts In Selected Ife-olukotun Eulogies (oríkì)

Authors : Bossan Rita . Saliu Rofiat .

Abstract

The study investigates the pragmatic dimensions of Okun eulogies (oríkì) within the Ife-Olukotun community, a subgroup of the Yagba ethnic group in Kogi State, Nigeria. The paper articulates the essential role of language in conveying cultural identity, preserving history, and facilitating social interactions. The data for this study were gathered from one compound each from the three clans in the Ife-Olukotun community through observation and interviews. The study used both qualitative and quantitative method of analysis for a comprehensive understanding. The study was anchored under Speech Acts Theory, particularly J. L. Austin (1962) and Searle’s (1979) direct and indirect illocutionary acts. Findings indicate that eulogies in Ife-Olukotun predominantly perform assertive acts directly and expressive acts indirectly by projecting the speaker's intentions during social interactions. The study concludes that eulogy is not merely a form of praise poetry but a multifaceted linguistic practice serving diverse purposes, including social critique, historical preservation, and personal identification.