Codes of communication: a sociolinguistic study of Ázụ́ọ́fū in Nomeh community

Abstract

This research work analyses codes of communication, with focus on Ázụ́ọ́fū as a verbal code of communication in Nomeh speech community. The work looks at codes, media of communication in Nomeh speech community, how Ázụ́ọ́fū is learnt, rules of interaction and interpretation of Ázụ́ọ́fū. This research was carried out because Ázụ́ọ́fū as a code of communication in Nomeh speech community has received little or no attention and lacks proper documentation. The research is carried out by the use of structured and unstructured interview, observation, and with the use of tape recorder. It adopts the theoretical framework of ethnography of communication which is used to analyse the data. The findings reveal that the primary communicative function of Ázụ́ọ́fū is secrecy. From our findings we also see that codes of this nature face endangerment as a result of so many factors such as poor documentation. The research work recommends that studies of this nature should be encouraged by the government as this can attract investors and serve as a means of generating revenue and contributing to knowledge.