The Impact of Traditional Rituals on the Evolution of Lexical Semantics in Yoruba Language
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- NGN 5000
Background of the Study
Traditional rituals play an integral role in Yoruba culture, serving as a means of social cohesion and spiritual expression. These rituals have historically influenced the evolution of lexical semantics in Yoruba, embedding cultural values and symbolic meanings into everyday language (Afolabi, 2023). Rituals such as festivals, rites of passage, and ancestral worship have generated specific terminologies and idiomatic expressions that encapsulate communal beliefs and practices. Over time, these lexical items have undergone semantic shifts, adapting to changing social contexts while retaining their cultural significance (Ogunleye, 2024). Contemporary research reveals that the interplay between ritual practice and language fosters a dynamic lexicon that reflects both continuity and innovation (Adebola, 2025). This study explores how traditional Yoruba rituals have shaped the semantic evolution of the language, examining historical texts, oral traditions, and modern usage to document these changes.
Statement of the Problem
Although traditional rituals are known to influence Yoruba lexical semantics, there is a lack of comprehensive studies that systematically analyze this impact (Afolabi, 2023). Existing research often overlooks the nuanced ways in which ritual practices contribute to semantic change, leading to gaps in our understanding of cultural language evolution (Ogunleye, 2024). Without detailed analysis, the rich interplay between ritual and meaning remains underdocumented, undermining language preservation and cultural continuity.
Objectives of the Study
- To document lexical items derived from Yoruba traditional rituals.
- To analyze semantic shifts influenced by ritual practices.
- To assess the cultural impact of these semantic changes on modern Yoruba.
Research Questions
- What lexical items in Yoruba have origins in traditional rituals?
- How have these items’ meanings evolved over time?
- What role do these semantic changes play in preserving cultural identity?
Significance of the Study
This study is significant as it reveals the profound impact of traditional rituals on Yoruba lexical semantics, offering insights into cultural language evolution. By understanding how ritual practices shape meaning, the research supports language preservation and informs cultural education. The findings will benefit linguists, cultural historians, and educators by promoting a deeper appreciation of the interplay between tradition and language.
Scope and Limitations of the Study
The study focuses exclusively on the impact of traditional rituals on Yoruba lexical semantics and does not cover other aspects of language change.
Definitions of Terms
- Lexical Semantics: The study of word meanings and their evolution.
- Traditional Rituals: Ceremonial practices that hold cultural significance.
- Yoruba Language: A major indigenous language spoken in southwestern Nigeria.
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