IDENTITY SUSTAINABILITY AND CONNOTATIVE INTERPRETATION OF MASQUERADE SONGS IN SELECTED NIGERIAN COMMUNITIES

This study analyzes the connotative use of language in selected Nigerian masquerade songs, highlighting the interplay of words, symbols, and cultural meanings within this cultural art form. Masquerades serve as significant cultural expressions, embodying ancestral heritage, communal values, and social norms. Through a qualitative methodology, this study analyzes textual and visual elements of masquerade arts, focusing on the semantic layers of language presented through dialogue, songs, and narratives. The study draws from theoretical models of semiotics and cultural anthropology. Findings reveal that the connotative aspects of language does not only enhance the aesthetic experience but also communicate identity, spirituality, and social commentary. The concluding insights emphasize the importance of recognizing the multiple nature of language in masquerade art as a means of preserving cultural heritage and fostering cross-cultural understanding. This study recommends further research into the implications of language in indigenous art, suggesting a multidisciplinary approach that incorporates linguistics, cultural studies, and philosophy to enrich the discourse of Nigerian masquerade traditions.