SOCIOPOLITICAL CONTEXT AND PRAGMATIC FUNCTIONS OF  FIGURATIVE EXPRESSIONS IN PE ̣̀TÈPE ̣́TE ̣̀

MOFAYOBI OLUWAFERANMI AFE

doi:10.5281/zenodo.20177836

Authors

MOFAYOBI OLUWAFERANMI AFE Department of English, Adeyemi Federal University of Education, Ondo. Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.20177836

Keywords:

Pe ̣̀ tèpe ̣́ te, Pragmatic functions, sociopolitical context, Figurative expressions

Abstract

Writers employ figurative expressions to convey their thoughts, and songwriters are no exception.
Studies show that figurative devices such as simile, metaphor, personification, and hyperbole are
commonly used to embellish creative works. Drawing on Ọde ̣́bùnmi’s (2016) notion of context as
Influence from Outside In and Fetzer’s (2004) traditional notion of context, this study investigates
the contexts and pragmatic functions of figurative expressions in 9ice and Àsá’s Pe ̣̀ tèpe ̣́ te ̣̀ . The
study aims to examine how figurative expressions in the song reflect contextual influences and
perform pragmatic functions. The data consist of the lyrics of Pe ̣̀ tèpe ̣́ te ̣̀ , which were purposively
selected and subjected to qualitative content analysis. Findings reveal three major contexts: social,
political, and cultural. In addition, five functions were identified: buffering, serving anamnesis,
warning, uncovering subterfuge, and serving deterrence. The study concludes that songwriters
frequently deploy figurative expressions not only for aesthetic purposes but also for hedging.