SLANG AND CATCHY TERMS IN IGALA HIP-HOP SONGS: A LINGUISTIC ANALYSIS

Abstract

This study undertakes a linguistic analysis of slang and catchy terms employed in Igala Hip- Hop songs. To obtain needed data, the researchers interviewed the artists with the following traditional music names: ‘Jameni Music’ (Alh. Tijay Bala), ‘Ugworo Music’ (Alh. M.M. Danlami, Alias Ayofa) and ‘Christian Music’ (Evangelist Abigail Omonu). The corpus of the songs was recorded and transcribed from the albums of the music makers. Descriptive and interpretative methods were used in the analysis of data. The study is premised on Freud and Lacan’s Psychoanalysis theory which upholds that “human mind is a storehouse for desires, sexual instincts, fears, wounds, unresolved conflicts, and pain--- Man is faced with pleasure principles and reality principles. They believe that man is inherently a fun-seeking creature who indulges in just anything that gives him pleasure---“ These account for why human mind necessarily needs songs and music to allay the contents of the storehouse. The catchy terms are used to correct the unhealthy practices prevalent in the society. These are used to enthrone love and peace, respect for elders and constituted authorities, hard work and contentment, etc.; these are values that have since been eroded by modern games. It further revealed that Igala songs and music serve as antidote to pain as well as means of revitalizing Igala language and culture among upcoming generations.