A sociolinguistic analysis of address terms in Akyem Asuboa

Abstract

This study focuses on sociolinguistic analysis of address terms in Akyem Asuboa in the Eastern Region of Ghana. It seeks to explore the various categories of address terms, identify some inappropriate address terms, explore the effects of inappropriate address terms and examine people‟s reaction towards the inappropriate use of address terms among the people of Akyem Asuboa. Qualitative method is employed for an in depth understanding of the research. Twenty (20) participants are used for the interview. Observation, interview and focus group discussion was used to collect the data for the study. Interview and discussion were held in Twi, the language of the research community. Direct, faithful and communicative translation methods are used to translate data from Twi to English. Constant comparative thematic approach is used to analyze the data. Findings of the study revealed that fourteen categories of address terms are employed by the people of Akyem Asuboa. Almost all major Christian religious denominations use specific address terms for their members. Descriptive phrase, death preventive names, interjections use as attention getters are regarded inappropriate address terms. Inappropriate address terms destroy peaceful relationship due to the various reactions such as astonishment, anger, public announcement, non responding, insult and others from the victim, the offender and the community. It was recommended that appropriate use of address terms be taught in school in other languages for peaceful co-existence. There should be a research into causes of the use of inappropriate address terms so as to minimize it use to promote peace in our communities.