DOCUMENTATION OF DIRGE SONGS AMONG THE AMOKWE ORJI PEOPLE OF NIGERIA

Abstract

Language documentation or documentary linguistics came into existence as a result of an urgent need to preserve endangered languages or endangered aspects of languages. Language documentation is an important tool for preserving languages especially endangered languages or endangered aspects of a language. It is this increasing phenomenon of language endangerment that has led to the emergence of documentary linguistics. Therefore if endangered languages are not adequately documented, there would be nothing to prove the existence of such a language. Himmelmann (2006) views language documentation as a subfield of linguistics concerned with the methods, tools and theoretical underpinnings for compiling a representative and lasting multi-purpose record of a natural language or one of its varieties. Similarly, Woodbury (2003) claims that language documentation is concerned with the making and keeping of records of the world’s languages and the ways in which they are used. For Woodbury, language documentation came up alongside major changes in the technology of linguistic data representation and an increasing focus on the threats posed to languages by endangerment. Language documentation is not what a researcher delves into without having a particular reason(s) in mind. There are basically three essential reasons for engaging in language documentation according to Himmelmann (2006). These reasons are: language endangerment, the economy of research resources, and accountability. Today a substantial number of the languages spoken in the world are threatened by extinction and if they are not properly documented, there would be nothing to refer to such languages in the nearest future. Some languages are not endangered in the real sense but certain varieties of such languages could be endangered. Owners of endangered languages and endangered language varieties are aware of the phenomenon so, they readily welcome language documenters. Macri (2006), in affirmation of the above notion, says that those who really appreciate language documentation are those whose language or aspect of the language is endangered. It is in view of the objectives of documentary linguistics that this study sets out to document a cultural aspect of the people of Amokwe Orji - the dirge songs. Amokwe Orji is a community located at Udi Local Government Area of Enugu state, Nigeria. The phenomenon of dirge songs is an important cultural aspect of the Amokwe Orji community. Regrettably, these dirge songs are gradually going into extinction due to the advent of Christianity and civilization. The younger generation is no longer interested in the dirge songs. DJs, CDs, computers and other musical instruments are gradually over taking dirge songs.