The Efficacy of Saliva among The Ewe And The Birifor People of Ghana

Abstract

Studies on fluids secreted from human body are receiving increasing attention, especially in the medical field as compared to the cultural and linguistic fields but are christened as body waste, by-products, and others. Body fluid secretions are always associated with infections and homes for contagious pathogens. Nevertheless, a vast array of benefits are derived from all body excretes across cultures. This study delves into the efficacy of saliva, one of such secreted body fluids. It explores its sociocultural functions, expressions and beliefs surrounding it amongst the Ewe and the Birifor of Ghana. The study establishes that saliva is the commonest and most easily accessible body fluid and much of it is swallowed when secreted. Data was purposively collected from 85 respondents (34 Birifor and 51 Ewe speakers were counted worthy to use. The findings are interpreted in a logical narrative form, revealing four types of saliva with each performing different functions beyond the basic roles of facilitating swallowing and moistening or softening food items in fauna. The study claims that the usage of saliva has varied psychological and physiological implications backing their cultural functions. Ewe and Birifor people use saliva for sovereignty, curing, cursing, insulting, blessing among others in varied contexts. In addition, spitting and secretion of saliva is also a form of communication. Saliva usage occurs in proverbs, idioms and other linguistic constructions of the users. Saliva swallowing (ingestion) portrays good intentions and spitting it portrays bad intentions. The study concludes that the live of a people revolves around saliva usages for cultural and linguistic purposes.