Analysis of selected Artifacts for communication in Jukun Language

Abstract

This study examined the use of artifacts in communication in the Jukun language. It is an assessment of how artifacts are used in different parlances on different occasions to encode meaning among the Jukun. The objectives of the paper are to: (i) examine how artifacts are used to communicate meaning in the Jukun language and (ii) examine what occasion(s) they are used for communication in the language. The paper adopts a qualitative design which studies the nature of the subject under study. Although the artifacts were selected randomly, the researcher used purposive sampling for selection of informants. The information got from the informants was through the oral interview. In order to achieve the aim of this exercise, the paper employs Pierce’s Semiotic Theory which uses triangles to explain the three elements of sign – referent, object, and interpretant. The paper finds out that the selected artifacts encode peculiar meanings and have different ways of representation of these meanings: Ahyuis used for singing praises to a king or an important person in a community, and the celebration of a special event; Asepanbyinis used for eulogy and beckoning to a beloved one as well as motivation of farm workers; Kyadwa is a symbol for joy and sorrow, while Adire symbolizes calmness, stability, reliability, and spirituality, peace and unity. All of these are used on different occasions. It therefore recommends that more efforts should be made by both scholars and custodians of these cultural artifacts to preserve them – in spite of the modern means of communication, there is need for cultural preservation and sustainability. The paper indeed has deepened insight into the cultural aspect of semiotics in Jukun.