Abstract

The paper describes, classifies and ascertains the communicative of genre of Borno Shehus of Nigeria. The paper argues that genres of any sort originate from the totality of human endeavours as they capture all aspects of human development. Accordingly, a text written or spoken   embodies the moral values of the socio cultural aspects of the users. From functionality, the paper unveils that genres serve as means of depicting communal discursive practices as against individualism. The sample population comprised the three Borno Emirates, namely: Bama, Dikwa, and Maiduguri, all in northern Nigeria. In retrieving the data, the research used interview and observation methods to draw on a conclusion. Since the primary aim was to offer empirical evidence with regard to particular linguistic occurrences, qualitative technique was deemed appropriate. The paper contends that adequate knowledge of history, religion, and social practices were essential instruments in drawing up a conclusion on the description, and classification of Borno ballads. Similarly, genres of ballads of Borno Shehu could best be described as products of invented and formulated collections of religious, political, historic, and socio-cultural practices of set of people who are rich in culture and tradition. Accordingly, linguistic knowledge alone is inadequate when classifying, describing and understanding the genre of the Borno Shehus; rather, sufficient   awareness of the discursive practices of the bards’ performances, which are linked to the emirates’ historicity, play a significant role in the realisation of Borno ballads.