A Linguistic (Discourse) Analysis of AROKO as Mon-verbal Communication among the Yoruba

Using the linguistic (discourse) analysis, this study finds that aroko- an aspect of nonverbal communication that “speaks the loudest”- is fast losing its steam among the new generation of the Yoruba of South West Nigeria. Culture bestrides every facet of a people’s life, their social, religious, intellectual, artistic, linguistic and philosophical manifestations. Cultural determinists have argued that culture is the basic determinant of a man’s social behavior. This paper examines the use of aroko (non-verbal communication) among the Yoruba. The inference from the study is that aroko forms a veritable part of the linguistic behavior amongst the Yoruba, especially when compared with other nationalities across the globe. It finds that aroko is widely used in all nooks and crannies of Yoruba land. However, it is discovered that the use of aroko is fast losing its steam among the new generation of the people in focus. A case is therefore made for the rejuvenation of such cultural traits for the advancement of Yoruba cultural values.