A Relevance Theory Analysis of Fear Elicited Language in Selected Christian Hymns

Abayomi O. Ayansola

Abstract

Beyond their functions as calls to the congregation to speak to one another and to join in praise, hymns are linguistic response to socio-cognitive emotion of fear which is often evoked by danger, sickness, death, life uncertainties, and death. Fear elicited response in hymns is propelled by God’s awesomeness and His ability to attend to calamities which often defy human solution. This study, in its application of Sperber and Wilson’s (1986) relevance theory to 12 hymns and relevant stanzas from “The Redeemed Hymnal”, concluded that hymnal language are elicited by fear and are tacit request to God for shield from danger, sorrow and life after death among other calamities. This acknowledges the transcendental reality of God as opposed to human limitations and vulnerabilities, a revelation that illuminates the communicative functions of hymns.

Keywords

Hymns, relevance theory, emotions, religion, awe

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References

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