EBONYI JOURNAL OF LANGUAGE
EJLLS Publication
EJLLS| Title: | Language, Culture, Approaches to Peace Building and Conflict Resolution: Insight From Ehugbo–Igbo |
| Author(s): | Uchenna Patrick AZUBUIKE & Goodluck Chigbo NWODE |
| Abstract: | The study laments the spate and incessant eruption of conflict around Nigeria with the wanton loss of lives and destruction of properties. Therefore, the questions this study evokes are: How do we account for the apparent culture of violence which now prevails in Nigeria? Is violence now part of the Nigerian Culture? What is the role of language and culture in peace building and conflicts resolution? Are there traditionally non – violent approaches to conflict resolution? Our method is to examine some idioms, proverbs or wise sayings in Ehugbo dialect which reveals the attitude of the people to conflicts. Using data carefully gathered during some events that centered on peaceful resolution of conflict among native speakers of the dialect under study, the paper using Johan Galtung (1964) theory of peace framework examines some strategic approaches to peace building and conflict resolution in Ehugbo culture. Findings reveal that there are approaches in Ehugbo dialects by which conflicts are resolved without resort to violence and which the paper recommends as applicable globally so as to foster a culture of peace rather than a culture of conflict. |
| Keywords: | Language, Culture, Peace Building, Conflict Resolution, Ehugbo |
