Misinterpreting the Igbo Lexeme: Nwunye and its Feminist Implications: A Sociolexicological Approach

摘要

In the traditional Igbo society, cultural knowledge and systems are embedded in lexemes. This provides an observable relationship between lexemes and diverse connotations expressed in various contexts. However, in contemporary times, some high class Igbo women misconstrue the lexeme nwunye and evoke a combative disposition towards the traditional system. This has wrecked the psychological peace of such women. This study argues that the Igbo dominant constituents of the lexeme Nwunye evoke the components of a subordinate in Igbo socio-cultural worldview. Adopting a sociolexicological framework, the various semantic connotations of nwunye were espoused. Findings reveal that some functional effects of the cognitive content of semantic and non-semantic factors of the lexeme nwunye disapprove the notion of nwunye as individualistic being in the traditional and contemporary Igbo society. This implies that nwunye is a gifted yield from a negotiation, capable of being fluid in character, yet has the capacity to illumine another’s life. This implies that polemical lexicographic information in dictionaries could be avoided if a lexis oriented sociolinguistics approach to lexicology is adopted in second language learning, researching and translating activities. The study suggests that informed programmes on traditional norms by older Igbo women organisations should be instituted to ensure the continuity of legendary concepts in contemporary society and also to secure peaceful co-existence and emotional safety for the contemporary Igbo wife.