Linguistic Codes for Security and Social Stability in Urhoboland: Implications for the Translator
Abstract
This paper posits that every language is characterized by linguistic codes needed by speakers for their security, identity, and social stability in today’s doubtless several security issues. In Urhoboland, such codes manifest in spoken and extra-linguistic forms with varying degree of meanings to different people at various times and places. The paper explores, among other conceivable objectives, some salient linguistic codes which the forebears of the Urhobo people did not pass on the younger generations as well as their translatability. The theoretical framework underlying the discussion hinges on Bernstein (1971) sociolinguistic theory of language codes which is cognate with language use. Taking cognizance of Urhobo believe systems, their social-cultural and religious practices continue to exert considerable challenges in translation studies as well as their importance to the people in contemporary times. Moreover, a large corpus of interviews and participant observation methods subsist in gathering and analysing relevant data for the research. Finally, the paper concludes that all linguistic codes in Urhoboland manifest themselves in socio-cultural contexts through which the people gather experiences for concentration, attention, and as a panacea for staying out of trouble
Downloads
References
Aaron, P. G. and Joshi, R. M. (2006). Written Language Is as Natural as Spoken language: A Biolinguistic Perspective. Reading Psychology, 27(4): 263–311.
Agbogun, I.M. & Ifesieh, E. C. (2011). Translating Igbo culture-bound phraseologies in African literature: Challenges and Roadmap. Journal of Nigerian Languages and Culture, 13(2), 225-237.
Ajunwa, E. 2017. A textbook of translation theory and practice. London: Lambert Academic Publishing.
Andindilile, M. (2011). When ‘the Centre Cannot Hold’: Achebe and Anglophone African Literary Discourse. LWATI: A Journal of Contemporary Research 8(2): 106-126.
Anthony, A. O. (2015). An evaluation of the Urhobo cultural conception of death. Ogirisi: A New Journal of African Studies 11: 44-64.
Anyanwu E. B., Abedi, H. O. And Edafiadhe, E. W. (2015). Food Prohibition among the Urhobo Nation: Ethical Consideration. American Journal of Public Health Research 3(4): 174-179.
Arererian, J.I. (2008).ỌfotọetaRẹ Urhobo, Kwale: Jesus Our Saviour Press.
Assaqaf, T. A. E. (2016). Adaptation as a Means of Translation.International Journal of Science and Research 5(1): 783-785.
Atherton, J.S. (2013). Language codes. Doceo: Accessed 13/1/2024 http://www.doceo.co.uk/background/language_codes.htm.
Bernstein, B. (1971). Class, Codes and Control (Volume 1). London: Routledge & Kegan Paul.
Burgess, J.A, Limb, M., & Harrison, C.M. (1988). Exploring Environmental Values through the Medium of Small Group: 2 Illustrations of a Group Work. Environmental Planning A, 20(4): 457-476.
Coker, O. (2018). Folklore, Indigenous Epistemology and Legal Consciousness: The Yoruba Example. In S. Awhefeada, E. Ojaruega, & P. Omoko. (Eds.), Scholarship and Commitment Essays in Honour of G.G. Darah. Lagos: Malthouse Press Limited, pp. 49-60.
Corsaro, W. A. (1997). The sociology of childhood. Thousand Oaks, CA: Pine Forge Press.
Cozma, M. (2022). Equivalence and (un)translatability: Instances of the transfer between Romanian and English. Open Linguistics, 8(1): 368-377.
Erhiurhoro, Y. (2013). Ancestral Spirits, Erivwin, and Sanity of Marriage in Urhobo Land.Accessed online https://phmundial.com/ancestral-spirits-erivwin-and-sanity-of-marriage-in-urhobo-land/.
Evwierhoma, M. (2014). The Aesthetics of Akpogbeku, an Urhobo Home Video: Issues and Concerns in Aridon.The International Journal of Urhobo Studies, 1, 153-162.
Foss, P. (2004). Where gods and mortals meet: Continuity and renewal in Urhobo art. African arts, 36(4), 12-93.
Hornby, A.S. (2010). Advanced Learners Dictionary International Students Edition (9thEdition) Oxford University Press.
Igun, S.E. (2014). Digital Preservation of the Urhobo Language. In Aridon the International Journal of Urhobo Studies,1, pp. 79-85.
Larson, M. L. (1998). Meaning Based Translation: A Guide to Cross-Language Equivalence (2nd Edition). New York: University Press of America.
Littlejohn, S. (2002). Theories of Human Communication. Albuquerque: Wadswort.
Onibere, V.O. (2016). Documenting Indigenous Knowledge Systems on a Digital Ecosystem for Easy Accessibility and Posterity in Abraka Humanities Review.A Journal of the Faculty ofArts, 7(1),135-142.
Otite, O. (2011). The Urhobo People (3rd Edition). Ibadan: Gold Pres.
Oyeleye, A.L. (1995). Translation and the African Writer in English: A Sample Study of Achebe’sTFA and NLAE. In K. Awolabi (Ed.), Language in Nigeria: Essays in Honour of Ayo Bamgbose, pp. 364-393.
Snell-Hornby, M. (1988). Translation Studies: An Integrated Approach. Amsterdam: John Benjamins.
Sukmaningrum, R., Nababan, M., Santosa, R. andSupana. (2022). Adaptation as a means in translating non-standard English into Suroboyoandubbed version.Journal of Language and Linguistic Studies 18(2): 1096-1110.
Trommsdorff, G. (2008). Intergenerational Relations and Cultural Transmission. In U. Schönpflug (Ed.), Cultural Transmission: Psychological, Developmental, Social, and Methodological Aspects (pp. 126–160). Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Copyright (c) 2024 Eyankuaire Moses Darah, Godwin A. Ivworin, Idigun Mathew Agbogun, PhD
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
