The Language of Weaving, Mat Production Processes and Usages in Ewe

Abstract

The paper employs the lexical semantics approach in discussing mat production processes and 
mat usage expressions in Ewe. Though lexical forms are best meaningful in context, words 
possess inherent meaning bases (hidden information) if in isolation. Equally, expressions stem 
from activities and engagements anchored on given features; leading to names and naming 
within given domains in a language and culture. How these expressions should be used is 
situated in given forms and contexts across languages and mat issues in Ewe are no exceptions. 
Data for this qualitative study were primary, from a purposive sample of twenty consultants; who 
were observed and interviewed. Discussions and native speaker intuitions equally control data 
collection, analysis and interpretation processes. The findings show that meaning processes, 
sources, nature and usages of expressions come objectively under four meaning-based modules: 
propositional, expressive, presupposed and evoked meanings. It also involves the descriptions of 
the nature of materials, processes, activities, tools, skills and experiences of weavers, and the 
purpose of usage. How the weaver and users engage the material among others generate defined 
meaning forms and expressions on mats. The study concludes that human actions and thoughts 
generate descriptions of phenomena; birthing forms and meaning diversities across contexts; the 
wider the usage domain of an expression, the more varied the meanings amongst a people.