HONORIFICS: AN IGALA PERSPECTIVE

Abstract

Employment of respect in interactions is one interesting aspect of language use in human interaction. In Igala, honorifics is a fundamental means of showing respect to each other. The Igala people, like other users of language, have numerous polite terms that are used to show respect to people in the process of interaction. This paper discussed types of honorifics in Igala Language and factors that determine choice of honorifics among Igala people. It should be noted that beyond verbal honorifics, people could show respect to each other, or attempt to earn same through nonverbal means. The paper concluded that in spite of the influence of modernism, the Igala people, especially at family level, still employ and value honorifics in everyday interaction.