Salutation and health in Nigerian traditional society: a study of selected communities in the south east region

Abstract

Health concerns among Nigerians may have given rise to a covert and an implicit relationship with  salutations/greetings. Health has been defined as a state of complete physical, mental and social wellbeing and not merely an absence of disease or infirmity. This is reflected in the traditional normative salutations that one receives or gives when one comes in contact with relatives, neighbors or friends. Instead of the contemporary greetings like good morning, etc., the person is greeted with questions such as: How do you do? How was your night? Is this linked with the health system or fear of the unknown? The reply to any of these questions is often multifaceted and reflects a concern with the physical, mental or social well-being of the individual(s) or groups concerned. This paper examined the 21^st century culture of salutations in some selected communities in south eastern Nigeria with the aim of identifying the relationship between salutation and health. Qualitative method of data collection was used to gather information from the communities. Analysis was done using the descriptive method. Results showed a close relationship between salutation and health issues. It also showed that in spite of the fact that modernization has eroded most of our cultural values, the communalist values of the Igbo people are still cherished.