Traditional Igbo Ahanjoku Ritual Text and Symbolism: A Tool for Language Learning in Education

Abstract (English)

Abstract
The imperatives of religion is not easily avoidable rather affect varied aspects of life including learning. Accordingly, this research does not present ritual-text and symbolism as a system of any religion’s theology but aimed at exposing further, the Igbo yam and crop god, ahanjoku, to the language learning education world, through the divinity’s ritual-text and symbolism. That, was found useable at least as a learning tool from the esteemed African religious home-training particularly for language learning education. Symbolism, the act of symbolizing, was found the basis of human communication. It viewed some symbol with corresponding ritual-text a capable representation and attention drawer, for which believable attention through a particular deity’s symbolism therefore was deemed impactful. Especially, from a religio-agricultural African background, ritual-text with symbolism becomes not only a base but also a language learning and teaching aid. This qualitative research, with the phenomenological approach same time multi-dimensional allowed historio-comparative analysis. It further used the objectives of explanation and illustration to examine the ritual-text and symbolism anchoring same in George H. Mead’s theoretical framework of symbolic interactionism. Encouraged more cognizance to African religious language and enthroning thus, right information and understanding otherwise socio-religio-reasonable reasoning for a more progressive society. The research recommended this language tool exposure to the world for a manner of language learning referent to the fact that trainings from religious homes is good and would impart greatly as the family remains influential nub of the society in conclusion.