A Speech-Act Analysis of Selected Yoruba Proverbs

Abstract

Proverbs are a rhetorical strategy employed by various communities to express their experiences in a more condensed and effective manner. Among the Yoruba, it is believed to be an exclusive preserve of elders who are regarded as repositories of wisdom and propriety. Whenever proverbs are used, they are expected to perform certain functions. Thus, this paper analyses some of the functions performed by proverbs using the speech-act and conventional implicature theories. Six categories of speech-acts identified in this paper are adjudication, expression of facts, warning/admonition, offer of advice, issuance of threat, and issuance of directives.