HUMAN AND SPIRIT SYMBOLIC COMMUNICATION IN THE IGBO CULTURE
Authors: Edith N. Ọnụkawa
Publication Details
Published: June 14, 2024
Reference: Volume 8, Issue 2
Abstract
In communicative practices non-verbal forms can be interpersonal and symbolic, in which case the nonverbal communication is between individuals and exclusively by the use of instruments as symbols, and the relationship between the symbol and the information passed is arbitrary. Aside being interpersonal, that is between humans, it can also occur between human and spirit. This paper examines the symbolic communication between human and spirit in the Igbo culture. Data were drawn from oral interviews and participant observation, and also, introspection (the author being a native Igbo and trained in the culture) as primary sources, while secondary sources were library materials and the internet. Findings indicate that the form of non-verbal communication that involves symbols and exclusively inter personal can occur between human and spirit. In the Igbo culture, human communicate with spirit symbolically by using various instruments, while spirit communicate with human through ominous signs and events, using animate and inanimate objects as agents that operate through various channels. In each case, we state the information communicated and also the instrument involved as symbol. The study concludes that human and spirit symbolic communicative practices could be used as tools in understanding more of the interesting and complex relationship between human and spirit that constitute a basic component of the Igbo worldview.
Full Text (PDF)
Preview:
How to Cite
Edith N. Ọnụkawa. (2024). HUMAN AND SPIRIT SYMBOLIC COMMUNICATION IN THE IGBO CULTURE. ABIA JOURNAL OF HUMANITIES , Volume 8 (2) .