Exploring Semiotic Dimensions and Symbolic Expressions of Indigenous Spiritualities and Values in African Christianity

Felicity Apaah; Ngozi U. Emeka-Nwobia; Rudolf Kuuku Gaisie; Jessie Fubara-Manuel

doi:10.1177/23969393251412510

Exploring Semiotic Dimensions and Symbolic Expressions of Indigenous Spiritualities and Values in African Christianity

Felicity Apaah
, Ngozi U. Emeka-Nwobia
, Rudolf Kuuku Gaisie
, Jessie Fubara-Manuel

Department for the Study of Religions

Ebonyi State University
Akrofi-Christaller Institute of Theology
Essien Ukpabio Presbyterian Theological College

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

Abstract

African Christianity is replete with arrays of semiotic dimensions and symbolic expressions embedded in indigenous spiritualities and values. Through a multidisciplinary approach, this study examines how these indigenous signs have influenced and shaped the expression of Christianity. Drawing from ethnographic research among the Akans of Ghana and the Ibibios and Igbos of Nigeria, this study explores how these semiotic dimensions contribute to religious identity and meaning making among African Christians. Theologizing through indigenous concepts only deepens the Christian experience and offers new ways of contextualization.

Original language	English
Pages (from-to)	150-162
Number of pages	13
Journal	International Bulletin of Mission Research
Volume	50
Issue number	2
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1177/23969393251412510
Publication status	Published - May 2026

Keywords

African Spirituality
African Values
Contextualization
Semiotics

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10.1177/23969393251412510

Cite this

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abstract = "African Christianity is replete with arrays of semiotic dimensions and symbolic expressions embedded in indigenous spiritualities and values. Through a multidisciplinary approach, this study examines how these indigenous signs have influenced and shaped the expression of Christianity. Drawing from ethnographic research among the Akans of Ghana and the Ibibios and Igbos of Nigeria, this study explores how these semiotic dimensions contribute to religious identity and meaning making among African Christians. Theologizing through indigenous concepts only deepens the Christian experience and offers new ways of contextualization.",

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AU - Fubara-Manuel, Jessie

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AB - African Christianity is replete with arrays of semiotic dimensions and symbolic expressions embedded in indigenous spiritualities and values. Through a multidisciplinary approach, this study examines how these indigenous signs have influenced and shaped the expression of Christianity. Drawing from ethnographic research among the Akans of Ghana and the Ibibios and Igbos of Nigeria, this study explores how these semiotic dimensions contribute to religious identity and meaning making among African Christians. Theologizing through indigenous concepts only deepens the Christian experience and offers new ways of contextualization.

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KW - African Values

KW - Contextualization

KW - Semiotics

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ER -

Exploring Semiotic Dimensions and Symbolic Expressions of Indigenous Spiritualities and Values in African Christianity

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Keywords

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