ABSTRACT
There
are several complexities associated with the language used in Tiv cults
that differentiate its language form from the conventional Tiv
language. These complexities cut across vocabulary, sentence
construction and the style in language use. This study therefore
examines the language use in Tiv cult discourse with special interest on
ishor i kpehen and wuhe kuran cults. The main sources of data for the
study were primary sources which were obtained from oral interview and
field observations. The primary data were transcribed with the aid of an
expert in Tiv Language into English. The results of the finding show
that the concept of divination among the Tiv is a sacred phenomenon and
the vocabulary used in ishor i kpehen (consultation) is formal, simple
and employs the use of less verbs, adjectives and adverbs but, with
archaisms and active constructions while the vocabulary used in wuhe
kuran (deliverance from ill-luck) is very formal, complex and
characterized by archaisms and passive constructions. The results of the
finding also show that the diviners (orsho and orkuran wuhe) employed
several stylistic devices to manipulate words in the process of
divination. The study shows that the language used in these Tiv cults is
entirely different from that which is used in the conventional Tiv
language. The results also show that the phonology of the two cults
discourse is different from the conventional Tiv language and the use of
this language is fast dying with the advent of civilization. The study
shows the use of stylistics in Tiv cult discourse as stimulus from the
diviners by manipulation of speech to totally change the psychological
belief of the audience without question, but with satisfactory
contextual belief that is achieve through words. The study shows that
the language of Tiv cults has influence on the Tiv culture and belief
system. The study therefore concludes that the language used in cult
discourse is not meant for ordinary information; it is used to persuade
the clients to accept the supernatural powers of the diviners and
totally convince the clients to be submissive to the diviner's ideas.