A Sociolinguistic Study of the Language of the Announcements of Obituary and Obsequies

Abstract

The study examines closely the interplay of culture and language usage on obituary announcements and obsequies in contemporary Nigerian society. With data from announcements of death and obsequies in posters and newspaper adverts, the study
examines the influence of socio-cultural variables such as folk philosophy about death, religious and cultural inclination, among others, on the forms and features of
the English language used in communicating information relating to death and funeral
rites in Nigeria. The study also aims to show the nuances of sociocultural influences such
as identity and status on the forms of the English language used in announcing death.
This work reflects the impact of language onthe culture of the society. The study adopts a sociolinguistic orientation. In addition,pragmatic principles as propounded by Grice (1975) provided the tools for analyzing data. In the bid to negotiate and establish identity, announcers of death and obsequies flout Grice (1975) maxims yet communication is not affected as the society adequately interprets and accommodates the forms. Findings from the study highlight the dynamism of the English language in
diverse domains of communication in Nigeria. It also points attention to the patterns of language development in Nigeria.