‘PENTECOSTAL’ LANGUAGE AND CONFLICT RESOLUTION IN AFRICA

The paper observes the use of pentecostal language as a positive trend in the resolution of conflicts within the African family setting. It specifically notes the element of negativity embedded in verbal violence and its attendant psychological effects that is contained in interpersonal relationships within the family setting. It further notes the increasing disappearance of such negativity in the light of Pentecostal influence on the lifestyle of the people. A major point of concentration in the paper is located within the pervasive tendency for Pentecostalism within the Nigerian society to touch virtually all aspects of life within and even outside the Yoruba (of south-western Nigeria) setting. Paramount among these is namechanging and a re-enactment of positive confessions in countering seemingly negative situations or pronouncements. Overall, the paper makes suggestions on how this could be further enhanced in the prevalent linguistic conditions within the African society, thus paving the way for sustainable national developmen