Socio-Cultural Sustainability and Language Use in Anaang Masquerade Festival, Ikot Ekpene, Nigeria

Masquerade festival is an integral part of many Nigerian cultures, serving as a powerful medium for social commentary, spiritual expression, and cultural preservation. This study explores the intricate relationship between the socio-cultural significance of masquerades and the specialized languages employed in their narratives. It examines how these esoteric and coded languages integrate intricate linguistic elements to convey values integral to Anaang identity. This study adopts a qualitative approach of analysis through participant observation, interviews with some of the initiates and community members, and an examination of the transcribed incantatory texts. The theoretical framework incorporates a socio-linguistic perspective, cultural anthropology and semiotics to show the interplay between language and identity in the festival. Findings reveal that masquerades, through their coded language, educate audiences about cultural heritage, social norms, and collective histories. Furthermore, the study identifies the ways in which language is employed by masquerades to reinforce power dynamics and negotiate roles within society. The results suggest the need for greater appreciation of masquerade festivals as living cultural texts that deserve preservation and study. The conclusions advocate for the integration of masquerade studies into educational curricula to foster cultural awareness among younger generations. This study recommends the documentation and archiving of diverse Anaang masquerade activities and promotes collaborative efforts between cultural practitioners and researchers to ensure the sustainability of these rich cultural expressions. Finally, it suggests avenues for future research, including the impact of globalization and modernization on masquerade language practices and the role of this art in preserving linguistic diversity.