A Study on Reactions to Death and Grief in a Ghanaian Context

By: Hayford, Harry Milton

Academic Paper in the subject African Studies - Linguistics, language: English, abstract: What unspoken stories lie hidden within the rituals of mourning? Delve into the heart of Ghanaian culture to explore the intricate tapestry of grief expression in Ghanaian Grief: A Linguistic Exploration, a groundbreaking study that unveils the verbal and non-verbal cues surrounding death and bereavement. This compelling work dissects the language of loss, employing Halliday's systemic functional linguistic theory and register analysis to understand how Ghanaians communicate during the immediate aftermath of death. Journey beyond textbook definitions of grief and witness how cultural nuances and linguistic choices shape the grieving process. Discover how euphemisms are employed (or not) and how non-verbal communication, especially during funeral rituals, speaks volumes where words fall short. Through meticulous analysis of lexical choices, funeral posters, and brochures, this study illuminates the profound impact of culture on individual and collective mourning. Explore the universality of death juxtaposed with the unique expressions of grief within a specific cultural context. Uncover the subtle ways gender and sociocultural factors influence death reportage, challenging preconceived notions about discrimination. Ghanaian Grief not only contributes to the field of linguistics but also offers invaluable insights into cross-cultural communication and the human experience of loss, inviting readers to reconsider their own understanding of grief and mourning. A must-read for anyone interested in linguistic anthropology, cultural studies, or simply seeking a deeper understanding of the human condition, this book sheds light on the complex interplay between language, culture, and the universal experience of death. Explore themes of verbal communication, non-verbal communication, funeral rites, stages of grief, and the power of language in navigating the most profound of human exper

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 3346988856
• ISBN13: 9783346988850
• Release Date: December 2023
• Publisher: Grin Verlag
• Length: 28 Pages
• Weight: 0.11 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.1" x 5.8" x 8.3"