Functions of Head as Non-Verbal Communication in Yoruba Novels

Abstract

Non-verbal communication is a very germane aspect of communication which uses other means other than the words of mouth. African scholars have not given enough attention to this important means of communication especially the use of human head in YoruÌ€baÌ literary works which this research work aims to address. The theoretical framework on which this work is based is called semiotics- a theory of signification and/or communication while textual analysis is the methodology applied. Four while textual analysis is the methodology applied. Four YoruÌ€baÌ novels were purposively selected because they possess the non-verbal cues needed for the analysis. They are: AÌ€kuÌ€koÌ£ GaÌ€gaÌ€raÌ€, AÌ€diÌ€iÌ€tuÌ OloÌduÌ€marè, KeÌkereÌ EÌ£kuÌ€n and AkènÌ€gbè EÌ£mu. Findings revealed that the head was used to express affirmation and co-operation, submission and subjection to higher authority. It was also used to lay emphasis on speech acceptance, express authenticity and genuineness and to express rejection and bewilderment. The head as a non-verbal communicative code manifested in the selected novels in different ways for an understanding of the texts.