Idiophones in Igala Oral Poetry: An Exploration of Sound and Meaning

Abstract

This study examined idiophones in Igala oral poetry, with specific reference to Igala funeral poetry. Itinvestigated the level and manner of meanings, imagery and feelings which poem create, convey and evoke in the audience by exploring the phonosemantic principles. Idiophones are expressive words thatphonetically imitate or suggest the sounds and sensations they describe. They play a vital role in Igala oral poetry by enhancing the expressive and communicative powers. Their importance in generating cultural meanings among the Igala people of North Central Nigeria cannot be over emphasized. The phonosemantic theory explores the idea that sounds and their patterns can directly convey meanings. Data generated from a field work on Igala elegiac poetry in 2015 were collected from two resource persons- Ilabija Ogbaje and Nana Oyibo from Okele-Ujele and Ikpakpala,in Ofu and Dekina Local Government Areas of Kogi State respectively. Out of the oral samples collecte as data, four out of them have been employed for this study. The data collected was transcribed and translated into English language. Data was analyzed to ascertain the presence and forms of idiophones in Igala oral poetry. The idiophones were realized through alliterative words. Through a critical analysis of this genre, this research revealed that idiophones contribute to the richness and depth of Igala oral poetry by helping to create and expand meanings. The study explored their relationship with the cultural context, performance, and audience engagement. By investigating the intersection of sounds and meanings through Igala idiophones, this study sheds light on the unique characteristics of Igala oral poetry generally, and their significance in Igala culture and tradition.