CONCLUSION This study discusses the Impact of Western Culture on Benin Greetings. It also examined the culture and traditions of the Benin People, the advent of Western Culture into Benin Kingdom, how the Western Culture into influenced Benin Greetings, the degree to which Benin greetings is eroding as a result of Western Culture. It is important to establish that greeting is a type of speech act where the speaker intentionally makes their presence known to another, to show attention to, and suggest a type of relationship or social status between individuals or groups of people encountering each other.1 Greeting could then be regarded as a positive politeness strategy as it tends to cater for the positive face needs of the hearer. It is in this regard that scholars believed that greetings are customary phrases employed to extend a welcome or convey delight upon encountering someone.2 Greeting is not defined by its length or brevity but by its possession of more interactive expressions, and an indication of our readiness to participate socially. It was revealed that greeting is an important aspect of the Benin language and culture. Greeting known as “otue” in Benin Kingdom is made up of the verbal and non verbal expressions which is used to denote the social relationship between the participants.3 Although the verbal expressions used in greetings are routinized, they carry a culture-specific content and have social implications. 54 Beyond the initial greeting, it is customary to engage in small talk and exchange pleasantries, inquiring about each other's well-being, family, and other personal matters. This helps to foster a sense of camaraderie and goodwill among individuals. Cultural Significance: Traditional greetings in the Benin Kingdom are not merely social niceties but carry deep cultural significance. They serve as a means of fostering social cohesion, reinforcing hierarchical relationships, and preserving cultural traditions passed down through generations.4 One striking findings in this study is the fact that the Benin people are known for their family morning salutation, this family morning salutation serve as a kind of identification and link to their ancestry, and for showing loyalty and disloyalty. The Oba linage greet laumogun, Iyase greet lavbieze, Oliha greet laogele, Edohen greet lauvbe, Ezomo greet lagiesan, Oloton greet lamehi, Ogiamen greet laire, Eholo n’re greet laire, Obazuaye greet lamehi, Elema greet lagba, Ogiefa greet laidu.5 These greetings are only peculiar to the Binis, and it is the juniors in Edo that usually greet their elders in family morning salutations, wives within the family greets members irrespective of their age. The Benin Kingdom, like many cultures around the world, has experienced the introduction of foreign greetings due to interactions with outside cultures, particularly during periods of colonialism, trade, and globalization. While traditional Benin greetings remain deeply rooted in the culture, foreign greetings 55 have also made their way into everyday interactions, particularly in urban areas and among younger generations influenced by global trends.6 While traditional greetings remain an integral part of Benin culture, they have also evolved over time to accommodate modern influences and changing social norms. This study found that while the Benin greeting in itself has not changed, western culture has introduced so many forms of greetings which are now popular used instead of the Benin traditional greeting.7 For example, in urban areas, handshakes and verbal greetings are more common, although the underlying principles of respect and courtesy still apply. Also, the English greeting "hello" has become widely used in Benin, especially in urban areas. It is a versatile greeting that can be used in various contexts, from casual encounters to formal settings. On the other hand, due to the influence of French culture and language in Benin City, the French greeting "bonjour" (meaning "good morning" or "hello") may be used by some individuals, particularly those who are bilingual or have been exposed to French education.8 In fact, French is among the popular foreign language taught in schools today in the Benin Kingdom even up to the University level The Arabic greeting "salam alaikum" (meaning "peace be upon you") is also commonly heard in the Benin Kingdom, especially among Muslim communities. It is also important to state that with the rise of Christianity in Benin Kingdom, the Hebrew greeting "shalom" (meaning "peace") is sometimes used by individuals within the Christian community in Benin Kingdom. This study also found that 56 Foreign greetings are often adapted to fit within the cultural context of the Benin Kingdom. For example, they may be accompanied by traditional Benin gestures or expressions of respect, such as bowing or hand gestures.9 It is necessary to conclude here that while western influence has not changed the Benin greetings in itself, it has introduced so many forms of greetings which are either use separately or combined with popular Benin gestures. Some of these include handshake, salut gesture, use of good morning, good afternoon and good evening.
