Abstract

Figurative languages are employed in performing arts as a medium of expressing thoughts, feelings and ideas implicitly rather than explicitly. This paper analyses rhetorical devices in two funeral songs of the Kilba people of Adamawa State of Nigeria. The two texts were subjected to analysis using the descriptive and discursive approach. The outcome of the analysis revealed that performing artists among the Kilba people use a lot of rhetorical device to dress the content of the message in the songs. Metaphors, smiles, rhetorical questions, imageries, symbolism, repetitions among others were found to be the common figurative languages used by the performing artists when composing funeral songs. Figurative expressions are used in order to create sad feelings and to let the people recall the positive qualities and achievements of the deceased.

Key words: Funeral, songs, figurative expressions, gwadang sal-sal, Mbaya.