ABSTRACT

This project examines language use in traditional marriage ceremonies in Usen community. This study aims to explore the linguistic aspects of traditional marriage ceremony. A descriptive approach is adopted. The data used were obtained from primary sources via interviews with native speakers of the Usen dialect. “Discourse analysis” theoretical framework is used to analyze the data. The findings of this study shows the use of language as a tool to negotiate and assert power and influence, the impact of economic factors such as wealth, class and dowry, the importance of cultural values, traditional and social norms during the acceptance of the dowry.