Abstract

Communication is a pivotal aspect of human existence. It is an integral part of human life through which beings express their feelings, facts, fears, aspirations and thoughts. Communication, precisely, oral communication serves as the process of verbally transmitting information and ideas, culture, belief systems, and values from one generation to another. Folklore includes the traditional elements of the way of life of a group and the creative expressions developing naturally as part of the culture and way of life. Like folk songs, handcrafts, dance and tales of a group, folklore includes generally held beliefs of members of a group. The aspect of oral communication form in folklore explored in this study is domiciled in some areas of Yoruba land. This paper examines the aesthetical values inherent in Ẹkún-Ìyàwó (Nuptial Chant) as performed in Yoruba culture during the preparations for marriage. It also takes a cursory look at the significance of the song rendered by the bride as a form of oral communication which adds embellishment to the occasion. The appraisals of the Ẹkún-Ìyàwó (Nuptial Chant) within the purview of this study will take cognisance of poetic devices and elements used. The study will then examine the relevance of Ẹkún-Ìyàwó (Nuptial Chant), which is an age-long tradition, to contemporary Yoruba society.

Key Words:    Oral Communication, Aesthetics, Yoruba Folklore, Nuptial Chant, Culture.

*‘Femi Adedina, Ph.D., is a Chief Lecturer in the Department of Theatre Arts, Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education, Ijanikin,Lagos State, Nigeria, and Former Adjunct Associate Professor in the Department of Performing Arts and Culture, Lead City University, Ibadan, Nigeria

**Victor ‘Tunji Taiwo is of the School of Communication Studies (Postgraduate Unit), Lagos State University, Ojo, Lagos State, Nigeria

^AMCRON Journal of Communication and Media Research, Vol. 10, No. 2, October 2018:   161 – 173