CONTEXTUAL- FUNCTIONS ANALYSIS OF SELECTED EKETE LULLABIES

In Ekete speech community, they have different types of lullabies. Theses lullabies are used in different contexts and they serve different purposes. It is on this observation that the researchers, examines the various contexts and the functions they fulfill in these contexts. In recent times, modernity seems to have disrupted African ways of lives and has relegated most African culture and values to the background. This paper, therefore, aims at documenting and preserving selected Ekete lullabies so that the future generation of Igbos and Ekete specifically will know what it entails to be Ekete sons and daughters. The paper is premised on two theories contextualism and functionalism. The study used interview and participant observation methods to elicit information from informants. The data were collected using electronic devices and were later transcribed and translated from Igbo to English language. Contexts of their performances were captured carefully and analysis were based on the contexts and the functions they fulfill in various contexts. The study reveals that Ekete people have various lullabies and they performed at different occasions aside from luring babies into sleep. The study equally reveals that Ekete people use lullabies for teaching and learning- that is a form of school of thought for young one’s initiation, pacification a validation of culture. Finally, it was discovered that lullabies serve as promoters and oppressive instruments through which all the political, social, economic, moral, spiritual affairs of Ekete are perpetuated.