This thesis examines language use in the Nzema Traditional courts. It specifically identifies performative use of Nzema language using the Speech Act and the Discourse Analyses theory to analyse ten texts, which were recorded from various Chief Palaces in Elembele and Jomoro Districts.
Having transcribed the text into written form and translated into English, the researcher applies two theories for the analyses and the findings obtained indicate that many people lack the concept of performative expressions of language, in which utterances constitute acts or doings. These usually put them into trouble among themselves, during which the case is settled at the traditional courts. Among such performative use of language that bring litigations are the most common ones such as; cursing a fellow, threatening, accusing someone, making false allegation. The study finally recommends that society should be educated by the elders on the implications of such uses of language so that members of the society become aware and avoid them.
Table of Contents
1.0 Introduction
1.1 Background to the study
1.2 Location and linguistic features of the Nzema
1.3 Statement of the problem
1.4 Purpose of the Study.
1.5 The Objectives of the Study
1.6 Research questions
1.7 Significance of the Study
1.8 Limitation
1. 9 Delimitation
1. 10 Organisation of the Study
1.11 Chapter summary
2.0 Introduction
2.1 The concept of performative language
2.2 Related works on Performativity
2.3 Meaning in use
2.4 Theoretical Framework on performative language use
2.4.1 The Speech Act theory
2.4.2 Discourse Analyses theory
2.5 Chapter summary
3.0 Introduction
3.1 Research site
3.2 Participants
3.3 Sample for the study
3.4 The sample size
3.5 Sampling procedure
3.6 Sources of data
3.7 Instrument for data collection
3.8 Data analysis procedure
3.9 Chapter Summary
4.0 Introduction
4.1 Data Presentation and Analysis
4.1. TEXT ONE
4.2 TEXT TWO
4.3 TEXT THREE
4.4 TEXT FOUR
4.5 TEXT FIVE
4.6 TEXT SIX
4.7 TEXT SEVEN
4.8 TEXT EIGHT
4.9 TEXT NINE
4.10 Chapter Summary
5.0 Introduction
5.1 Discussions from findings
6.0 Introduction
6.1 Summary of findings
6.2 Conclusion
6.3 Recommendations
Research Goals and Thematic Focus
This thesis investigates the performative use of language within Nzema traditional courts, exploring how specific utterances act as social deeds that often lead to legal disputes. The research seeks to identify common categories of these performative expressions and to understand why they trigger conflicts between societal members, with the ultimate goal of educating the community to mitigate such disputes through better awareness.
- Analysis of performative language as social actions.
- Application of Speech Act Theory and Discourse Analysis within traditional judicial environments.
- Identification of common offensive language patterns (e.g., cursing, accusing, threatening).
- Investigation into cultural and traditional implications of specific verbal pronouncements.
Excerpt from the Book
1.1 Background to the study
In the performative sense, language performs actions; so that what one says is actually an action performed. If, for instance, one says, ‘I will kill you’, the speaker has not just made an utterance but has further performed the action of ‘killing’ the person. The cultural implication among the Nzema is not only that one has threatened the listener but has killed him or her as well. At the traditional court, the social and cultural implications are considered and the appropriate sanction is meted against the culprit.
Traditional courts (also referred to as chiefs’ courts) still form an important part of the administration of justice in many rural Africa including Ghana. (Gocking 1993). Nzema speakers use performative language at the traditional courts. The language of the court is invariably the local language of the disputants, with no risk of distortion through interpreting. This makes these courts attractive to their users and gives greater satisfaction to the participants in the process compared to regular courts where the language used is English and is not understood by the majority. Hence, the ruler, counsellors and litigants are well aware of the language they use and their meaning as well as what they intend to use them for.
Summary of Chapters
1.0 Introduction: This chapter provides the foundation for the study by outlining the general background, research problems, and the specific objectives concerning the performative use of the Nzema language in court proceedings.
2.0 Review of Related Literature: This chapter establishes the theoretical framework by discussing Speech Act Theory, Discourse Analysis, and previous research on performativity across various academic fields.
3.0 Methodology: This chapter describes the systematic approach to data collection, participant selection from various chief palaces, and the methods used for recording and analyzing arbitration proceedings.
4.0 Data Presentation and Analysis: This chapter presents and analyzes ten specific texts recorded from traditional courts, examining the locution, illocution, and perlocutionary effects of the identified performative expressions.
5.0 Discussion: This chapter synthesizes the research findings and displays the frequency of various performative expression types within the traditional legal context.
6.0 Summary of findings, conclusion and recommendations: This chapter condenses the findings of the study and proposes measures for the Nzema community to reduce litigation through better understanding of language use and educational initiatives.
Keywords
Performative, locution, social actions, speech acts, discourse analysis, Nzema language, arbitration, traditional courts, elders, customary law, verbal taboos, identity, conflict resolution, cultural norms, perlocutionary effect.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this research?
The research focuses on the performative function of language in Nzema traditional courts, analyzing how specific verbal expressions function as social deeds that lead to arbitration.
Which theoretical approaches are applied?
The study utilizes both Speech Act Theory and Discourse Analysis Theory to examine the intention, context, and impact of utterances made during traditional court proceedings.
What is the main research objective?
The core objective is to identify and categorize common performative expressions in Nzema court discourse, particularly those that trigger conflict, and to evaluate their cultural implications.
How is the data collected for this study?
Data was gathered through field research at several chief palaces in the Jomoro and Ellembele districts, using audio recordings of actual arbitration proceedings.
What kind of language results in traditional court cases?
Litigations often arise from the use of performative language that is perceived as offensive, such as cursing, threatening, falsely accusing individuals, or character defamation.
What constitutes the unique contribution of this thesis?
It adds to the existing linguistic literature by being one of the first in-depth studies of performative language use specifically within the context of the Nzema language and traditional legal structures.
How does the cultural context influence the analysis?
Cultural background is essential because what may be considered a trivial utterance in other cultures, such as "you are stupid," can constitute a serious, offensive performative act in Nzema society requiring formal arbitration.
What is the recommended solution for reducing litigation?
The author recommends educating community members through the guidance of their elders, encouraging the youth to observe traditional proceedings, and increasing awareness of the social and legal consequences of offensive verbal acts.
- Citar trabajo
- Seth Nretia Essien (Autor), 2023, Analysis of Performative Language Use at the Nzema Taditional Courts in Ghana, Múnich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1361352
