DISCOURSE ANALYSIS ON TIGRINYA CURSING AND BLESSING EXPRESSIONS IN CENTRAL TIGRAY

Abstract

This study explored discourse analysis of Tigrinya cursing and blessing expressions in the central zone of Tigray, Ethiopia, examining them as culturally significant speech acts embedded in social practice. Employing a qualitative research design, data were gathered through semistructured interviews, non-participant observation, and audio recordings from twelve basic informants, six male and six female, age 35-75 were purposively selected. The analysis was formed through speech act, politeness, and sociolinguistic theories. The findings revealed that blessings are pervasive in positive social and ritual contexts such as teskar/sedeka (memorial feasts), tsebel (religious gatherings), weddings, birthday ceremonies, and coffee rituals. The function is to reinforce social cohesion, express goodwill, and invoke divine favor for prosperity, health, and long life. Cursing, conversely, occurs in contexts of perceived norm violation, such as familial disrespect, theft of church property, and criminal acts like rape. These expressions serve as powerful tools for social control, expressing intense emotions like anger and frustration, and invoking misfortune or divine punishment upon the wrongdoer. Linguistically, both forms are characterized by specific formulaic structures and are highly dependent on the speaker's authority, the context, and paralinguistic features like tone and gesture. The study concluded that cursing and blessing are not merely literal utterances but are per formative acts that profoundly shape social relationships, enforce community values, and reflect the underlying power dynamics and cultural ideologies of Tigrinya speakers. The study recommends further comparative research, the documentation of these oral traditions, and community awareness of their powerful social and psychological impacts, especially religious leaders, elders, and educators, should promote responsible and ethical use of powerful speech acts, ensuring that language fosters healing and respect rather than harm or division. Awareness campaigns could highlight the psychological and emotional impact of negative speech, especially in family settings.