Abstract

Every instance of language use aims at creating meaning and invariably new knowledge of the context of use and the social realities within which we operate as language users. This linguistic endeavour is germane to pragmatics, which is the study of language in use within specific social contexts. In view of the fact that Proverbs are unique linguistic properties that are usually based on the traditions of its users, this paper investigates select Yoruba proverbs pragmatically. Although several works have been done on Yoruba proverbs that project and share their universal essence through the compilation and categorization of these proverbs (See Akporobaro, F.B.O. and Emovon, J.A.1994, Bamgbose1968, Yusuf 1995), this paper aims at bridging the gap of contextual analysis for the dissemination of the unique cultural heritage and the understanding of key concepts and issues of a typical Yoruba speech community through the intellectual and pragmatic imports of the select Yoruba proverbs. It is expected that this study will enhance knowledge construction; and thus, reflect and communicate the various processes and techniques that the language users utilize to construct, interact and interpret the world around them in a typical Yoruba speech community. Data is selected randomly but purposively from text compilations and a Yoruba Television program on African Magic Yoruba. The pragmatic analysis is based on The Systemic Functional Linguistic theory which emphasizes the matching of linguistic form to function , in order to highlight the  importance of context to the interpretation and construction of knowledge for the younger Yoruba generations who are gradually becoming alingual and acutural. Apart from explicating the connectedness between the linguistic forms of the Yoruba proverbs and their functions /multifunctionality, this pragmatic investigation will enhance the communicative competence of the Proverbs for the construction of meaning and knowledge. Finally, this study can be replicated in any other society based on the mutual relationship that exists between the language and culture of a people.