A Sociolinguistic Analysis of Proverbs in Ola Rotimi’s The Gods Are Not To Blame

Abstract

This paper examined the sociolinguistics of the proverbs in Ola Rotimi’s The Gods Are Not to Blame. Proverbs form a notable part of both spoken and written discourse in real-life and literary situations. In the Yoruba speech community of Nigeria to which Ola Rotimi belongs and in which the play is set, proverbs are considered as multifunctional and flexible instruments of communication. They are employed to reflect social relationships and for performing routine communicative activities. These proverbs reveal the values of good conduct, respect for elders, the place of royalty, cordiality and cooperation for peaceful co-existence. Though some studies have been carried out on the use of proverbs in literary texts, the sociolinguistics of proverbs in this popular play by Ola Rotimi had not been explored as this paper sets out to do. The study adopted the historical-descriptive design. Data for the study were analysed using Dell Hymes’ Ethnographic acronym, “S-P-E-A-K-I-N-G” to show the nature or gender, age, class and contextual dynamics in the use of proverbs in the play. The study shows that there is male dominance in the use of proverbs; elders and leaders are more disposed to proverbial expressions than young and common individuals and proverbs are conditioned by the circumstances of their users. The researcher recommends that the study of African proverbs be introduced into the school curriculum to help growing children appreciate their culture and those of other people and avail themselves of the moral lessons that proverbs offer.