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ABSTRACT
The focus of this project is to analyze praise expressions in the Esan language. The primary goal of this study is to identify and examine the usage patterns of praise expressions in Esan. Data collection for this research involves both primary and secondary sources. Primary data was gathered through one-on-one interviews with a native speaker of the language. Secondary data consists of published and unpublished materials related to the pragmatics of praise expressions in other languages like Yoruba, Igbo, Edo, Efik, etc. The theoretical framework chosen for this study is the illocutionary act, which is a component of the speech act theory initially proposed by J.L Austin in 1962 and subsequently expanded upon by John Searle. This research investigates the specific personal qualities that these expressions are commonly used to praise, leading to the classification of these expressions into various groups. The conclusion drawn from this research is that praise expressions predominantly serve the purposes of entertainment and obtaining favor. By delving into the intricacies of these expressions, this project contributes to our understanding of the cultural and linguistic dimensions of Esan society. It highlights how these expressions play a vital role in both interpersonal communication and the preservation of cultural traditions.
