Metapragmatic disclaimers in Yoruba discursive interactions

Abstract A number of sociocultural phenomena have been explored in Yoruba through the pragmatics lens. However, metapragmatic disclaimers, which also provide deep insights into the cultural dynamics regarding the use of the language, have not been given much scholarly attention. Thus, this study investigates metapragmatic disclaimers in Yoruba to establish their forms and contextual use. Data comprised excerpts generated from a corpus of naturally occurring conversations in Yoruba in different communication contexts. Mey’s pragmatic acts theory (as modified) served as the analytical tool. Two forms of metapragmatic disclaimers were identified in Yoruba: status-bound and non-status-bound, riding on shared cultural knowledge (SCK) among the people. Beyond serving as a tool for (re)creating a positive identity by the user(s), they also serve as face-management devices in the language and culture.