A socio-pragmatic analysis of a death palaver « Osambo la Oboo » among Mbosi community

Abstract

This paper dealt with the socio-pragmatic analysis of a death palaver among Mbosi community. The emphasis is put on the study and scrutiny of one of Mbosi people customs in terms of Osambo. The study is based on the ethnography of communication model developed by Hymes. It comes out from discussions that Osambo la oboo custom is a significant identity marker among Mbosi community as it a stepping stone to solidify family relationships and ties as well as bring peace within the community. The focus of the current paper was to describe the concept of osambo in connection to the death of a person. Osambo la oboo ceremony is socially characterised by the usage of formal and legal language terminology, the style is more symbolic and metaphorical; proverbial expressions colour the speaker’s speech.