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The Ethnopragmatics of Akan Compliments


K Agyekum

Abstract

In this paper I examine compliments in Akan from an ethnopragmatic point of view. I analyse Akan compliments within the framework of politeness. I consider the ethnographic situations within the Akan society where compliments are employed. The areas where my data was collected include Akan adverts, Akan football commentary, classrooms, praise poetry for chiefs, public speeches, folksongs, dance and hunting. I look at types of compliments, namely, (1) appearance, (2) character and comportment, (3) performance and (4) possession. I also examine the structure and language of compliments, response to compliments and functions of compliments.

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eISSN: 2458-746X
print ISSN: 0855-1502