Requests in Traditional Rites of Passage: The Logba Perspective
Requests in Traditional Rites of Passage: The Logba Perspective

Summary/Abstract: This paper investigates the use of request expressions in traditions of passage among the Logbas113. Logba is a Ghana-Togo Mountain language spoken in the Hohoe District of the Volta Region of Ghana. The study aims at examining the use of request expressions in the language as used in rites of passage. Request expressions used in ceremonies of various rites of passage were recorded and examined. Interviews, participant observation and role play were used to gather data for the study. The theoretical framework adopted for this study is Watts’ (2003) Politeness Framework. The study suggests that, requests expressions are key components of rites of passage among the Logbas. However, request strategy adopted in one rite of passage differs from the other. Strategies like the use of solidarity terms are employed to show oneness and to save one another’ s face in order for the requester to achieve his/her request goal.

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