INDIGENOUS CULTURAL SYSTEMS AND SYMBOLIC COMMUNICATION AMONG EGGON, ALAGO, AND KANURI COMMUNITIES IN NASARAWA STATE, NIGERIA
Keywords:
Cultural systems, Indigenous communities, symbolic communication, Nasarawa StateAbstract
Communication and culture contribute significantly to shaping societies. Cultural systems perform communicative roles in which societies express their identities and values. Despite their significance, there is limited scholarly attention and documentation of how these systems function in many Nigerian communities. This study explores the cultural systems of three selected ethnic groups in Nasarawa State and their communicative significance. It is set on symbolic interactionism theory and examines how cultural systems such as language, myths, religion, festivals and others send messages across communities. Using qualitative research method, the research employs participant observation and interview to describe and interpret how cultural systems are symbolized among selected communities. The study also notes that despite globalization and modernization practices, certain traditions still remain intact. Some however, such as tribal marks and local language use may have eroded. The paper thus suggests that individuals, media and policy makers actively engage in communication of culture to boost sustenance.References
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