Exploring Pragmatic Acts in Ebenezer Obey’s Song, ‘The Horse, The Man and the Son’

Abstract

Music is an integral part of any society not only for entertainment, but also for therapy and as a powerful instrument for dissemination of information, moral formation, morale booster as well as medium for value inculcation and socialisation. This paper, Exploring Pragmatic Acts in Ebenezer Obey's song "The Camel, The Man, and The Son" (Esin pelu ketekete) delves into the intricacies of language use and social interaction embedded within Yoruba cultural contexts. It also investigates the didactic and moral functions of juju variety of music using Chief Ebenezer Obey’s song, ‘The Camel, The Man and the Son’ (Esin pelu Ketekete), employing Mey’s pragmeme, which is a pragmatic analytical device, that identifies the pragmatic acts verifiable in the selected song. It underscores the relevance of pragmatics in analyzing artistic expressions within specific cultural frameworks, illustrating how linguistic choices in song like that of Ebenezer Obey reflects and reinforces societal norms and values. It examines how pragmatic acts, encompassing speech acts, politeness strategies, and cultural references, shape meaning and interpretation within the song's narrative. It also investigates the song's portrayal of interpersonal dynamics, societal values, and moral lessons conveyed through linguistic choices and narrative structure. Additionally, the study considers the performance context of Obey's music, acknowledging its influence on audience reception and cultural resonance. Ultimately, this exploration seeks to highlight the intricate interplay between language, culture and music in shaping human experience and perception. Through a qualitative analysis, this research identifies various pragmatic acts such as directives, assertions, and expressive acts that elucidate characters' intentions and relationships in the narrative. The population is primarily the lyrics of the song, ‘The Horse, The Man and The Son’. This investigation showed that Ebenezer Obey, with the help of practs of ordering, assuring, describing, admonishing and warning, presents human insatiable attitude through the context of history and conflict. The selected song is predicated on the issue of inability to satisfy humanity. He used the pract of warning to stabilise his presentation. In conclusion, the analysis of pragmatic acts in Chief Ebenezer Obey’s song, ‘The Horse, The Man and The Son’, reveals a masterful use of language to convey social, moral, and cultural values. Through various speech acts, including directives, advice, and warnings, Obey not only entertains but also educates his audience on the complexities of human behaviours and societal expectations. The song serves as a reflection of Yoruba wisdom, showcasing the pragmatic functions of language in fostering communal understanding and guiding individuals towards better decision making. By illustrating the dynamic interplay between language, culture, and context, this study demonstrates how pragmatic acts in music can transcend mere entertainment to serve as a tool for social commentary and moral instruction.  Obey’s use of language in this song, underscores the richness of Yoruba oral traditions and their relevance in addressing contemporary issues. Therefore, the song, ‘The Horse, The Man and The Son’, stands as a significant example of how music can function as a vehicle for pragmatic communication and cultural preservation.