Functional Analysis of Appelations among the Tongu-Ewe of the Volta Region of Ghana:The Case of Agave Traditional Area

Abstract

The main purpose of this study is to do a functional analysis of appellations among the Ewe of Ghana: a case study of Agave Traditional Area among the Tongu-Ewe of the Volta Region of Ghana. The researcher interviewed family heads, clan heads and elders who have in-depth knowledge of appellation among   the Tongus (Agave Traditional area regarding the various thematic areas of appellations. The study discusses the concepts and the genre to show that its aspects such as themes for example, evoke qualities cherished and enjoyed by the Tongu-Ewe. The study further analyses the structure of some selected appellations emphasizing the stem, justification or explanation of the stem and meanings which show that the structural elements contribute towards the creation of acceptable values and pleasure. It reinforces these notions by further analyzing and establishing the various situations embedded in the usage of the genre. The significance of appellations as sources of knowledge, wisdom, art, status-indexing, entertainment and moral education through social interaction and performance has been highlight. It was discovered that the rendering of appellation is seen as a process of socialization. The process explains the social structure and roles of individuals and their sense of communality and individuality. It has also been noticed that appellations make the members of the community cherish the beauty and usefulness of we-feeling, freedom of expression and independence. The study finally concludes that despite social change, the genre can survive and be sustained through education, adaptation, adjustment, theatre arts and the people's sense of creativity.