Aspects of Igbo Cultural Observances in Death Throes: The Question of these Practices, Language and Natural Identity of a People

Abstract

Igbo socio-cultural practices delineate the region from other socio-cultural regions. The observances that clearly distinguish the Igbo race are grouped as internal and external: the former are family practices; the latter inter family or inter-communal observances. “Omugwo” (nursing mothering period), “Igba oso ochu” (manslaughter retribution), are internal; “Ozioku” (invitation to a feast), “Emume Arusi” (Oracular fiesta), folktales telling, bridal procession and songs, “Igba nju di/nwunye” (inquiry before marriage), “Igba mgba” (wrestling match), prohibition against abortion, etc are external. These culturally recognizable practices are facilitated by language. Their features and the characters are demonstrably conveyed in the Igbo language which acts as a vehicle for fostering „natural‟ identity of the Igbo people. This paper examines some aspects of Igbo cultural observances made possible by the Igbo language which in itself, together with these observances, is in danger of extinction, thus threatening the consequent disappearance of a people, its culture, and its identity.