ABSTRACT:

This study was designed to know the African traditional forms of communication in marriage among the Jukuns of Taraba State as little is known in this area of knowledge. That is, among the studies seen so far, none has worked directly on African traditional forms of communication in marriage among a given people. Relying on the symbolic interactionism theory, the study adopted the qualitative approach of survey and Focus Group Discussion (FGD).Using the interview and FGD guides, data were gathered from a sample of seventy-two (72) Jukun men and women between the ages of 18 and above were purposively sampled based on their knowledge, versatility and willingness on the subject matter. Form the analyses of the data, it was found among others that the whole range of activities therein involves social event between families and by extension communities; the social event also involves continuous social communications; the Jukun language is the tool (symbol) used to initiate and negotiate the marital processes or procedures. Also, the traditional forms of communication in marriage among the Jukuns do not give room for dissolution of the union.