A sociolinguistic study of the language of Kente cloth at Agortime

Abstract

This dissertation employs a theoretical perspective, bringing together concepts from social, symbolic interactionism, symbolic consumption, patterns and sociolinguistic theory. The study adopted mixed design to collect qualitative and quantitative data for the study. Using purposive sampling techniques, 70 participant s where selected to participate in the study. The participants include weavers and users of kente cloth. Questionnaire and interview guide, were used to collect data for study. The qualitative data was analyzed using descriptive strategies such as Visual Rhetoric and Semiotic. The quantitative data, on the other hand was analyzed using Variotionist theory such as frequency and percentages. The findings of the study revealed that kente of authority and royalty have messages to both the weaver and the user. These values and beliefs are learned early on from their fore-fathers and maintained through constant interaction with the Agortime Traditional culture through parents and family. The Weavers cultural values drive the way kente communicate gender, attractiveness, age, and social class. Another important part of this work explains the competency that kente have in communicating the different roles of their identities through clothing and appearance. Finally, this study illustrates the interconnection between the different aspects of the kente clothes by pointing out sensorial experience, fit, and interpersonal influence as the major drivers of adoption among Agortime Weavers.