The place and value of diction in folksongs : a case study of Lugbara folk songs that concern work ethics

Abstract

This research analyzes diction in the Lugbara folk songs. This research aimed to find out what are the types of diction used in the selected Lugbara folk songs, they are: Ndaru, mi orodri yo (Ndaru, you are worthless), Ma ati le ma ra (My father loves me), Ewu drio ri (The old times), Mva ni owu Andri ni ngoa? (The baby is crying, where is the mother?), Candi candi yee Kongolo (Suffering, suffering very hard!), Eza mva enga mu amvua (Young girl rise and go to dig), Drazua yee (Oh my! Drazua), Karile emi emu Adro vu (Youth come to God), Anzi emi enga (Wake up Children) based on the theory of Abrams (1999) for analyzing the types of diction. There are four types of diction according to Abrams: concrete, abstract, denotation, and connotation. Then, the data were analyzed by using qualitative research method. This research found concrete diction, abstract diction, denotative and connotative which are presented from nine (9) folk songs as the place and value of diction presented. The analysis of work ethics is covered as it examines the values of the Lugbara culture. Through oral interview and the analysis of the folk songs, the researcher finds the features of work ethics in the Lugbara folk songs. The interpretation varies from each individual. The folk songs are preferred because the artists have exploited diction and the work ethics that the community embraces. The Lugbara society is found criticizing societal defects and evils through the singing of folk songs on specified occasions.