Cultutal knowledge and endangered language: The case of the Kwomayam ritual

The purpose of this article is to illustrate the intrinsic relationship among the Kiuoma between the practice of the yam ritual and the linguistic knowledge associated with the songs and formulas invoked during its performance. The yam ritual is composed of three distinct ceremonies, Yena, Mija and Nowkwi, and includes songs and dances to honor these spirits. Ritual songs are a source of knowledge about history and the socio-culturnl values and standards expected in this community. After an overview of the social structure of the Kiuoma society, a presentation of the yam ritual, and an analysis of two ritual songs - sawo howkwa and magwiy howkwa - this article demonstrates that the preservation of the Kwoma cultural heritage cannot be done at the expense of its intangible cultural heritage.