PERFORMATIVE AESTHETICS IN THE SPEECH ACTS OF YORÙBÁ OBITUARY ANNOUNCEMENTS ON RADIO KWARA, NIGERIA

Abstract

ABTRACT: This study examines the performative aesthetics inherent in the speech acts of Yorùbá obituary announcements aired on Radio Kwara, Nigeria, in order to highlight how they mirror cultural continuity and adaptation within a rapidly transforming socio-technological environment. This is because the theme of death remains a sensitive subject that is often surrounded by psychological, religious, and cultural emotions in many cultures of the world. The study thus interrogates how these announcements deploy speech acts as performative devices to convey sympathy, provide information, and sustain cultural values in the face of modern influences such as digital media. Through the adoption of a qualitative research design, 30 obituary announcements broadcast on Radio Kwara between January and June 2025 were analysed using content analysis, guided by butlers (1990) theory of performativity, the Speech Act Theories of Austin (1962) and Searle (1969) as well as Grice theory of implicatures (1975). These functional models of communication are employed to interrogate how subtle and indirect linguistic strategy transmit cultural meaning in ways that moderate the harsh reality of death, reducing its bluntness, roughness, and related unease in the Yoruba society. The findings reveal that Radio Kwara announcements largely rely on expressive and informative speech acts that lessen the emotional trauma associated with death for listeners, while harmonizing traditional Yorùbá values with contemporary broadcasting practices. The study further underscores radio as a vital platform for cultural preservation and adaptation, and provides insights into how indigenous modes of communication operate within globalized media spaces. Further research recommended.

Keywords: Performative aesthetics; Speech act; Yorùbá obituaries; Radio broadcasting; Nigeria