Epanaphora and the Rhetoric of Cultural Identity in Ogun's Praise Chants

The study examines epanaphora in Ogun's praise chants with a view to identifying its rhetorical implications on the construction of cultural identity. A corpus of Ogun's praise chants from various sources, including oral tradition, written records, and scholarly publications are purposively drawn. The analysis involves a close reading of the texts (i.e. the praise chants) to identify patterns and themes associated with repeated phrases. Instances of epanaphora are identified within the selected texts, focusing on repeated words or phrases at the beginning of successive clauses or sentences. Similarly, the rhetorical effects of epanaphora in the chants are identified, considering factors such as emphasis, rhythm, and emotional resonance. Semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions are conducted with practitioners of the Yoruba religion, including priests (Babaláwo), devotees, and community leaders. These interviews explore the cultural significance of Ogun's worship, the role of praise chants in religious practice, and perceptions of cultural identity. Additionally, audiovisual documentation is collected to capture the performance of Ogun's praise chants and other related rituals. Findings revealed the pervasive use of epanaphora as a rhetorical device to emphasize Ogun's attributes, roles, and significance within Yoruba culture. The repetition of key phrases and attributes served to reinforce collective narratives of identity, belonging, and heritage, highlighting Ogun's central place within Yoruba cosmology and cultural practices. Findings further reaffirmed the importance of linguistic and ritual practices in maintaining cultural cohesion and preserving Yoruba cultural heritage in the face of social change and modernization. The study concludes that the research deepens our understanding of the intricate relationship between language, culture, and identity within Yoruba society, thereby enriching scholarly discourse on cultural preservation, heritage, and continuity.