Journal of Language Studies and Arts (JOLSA) is a peer-reviewed, open-access scholarly journal dedicated to advancing knowledge and fostering critical dialogue in the fields of language, linguistics, literature, and the arts. The journal provides a dynamic platform for academics, researchers, educators, and practitioners to share cutting-edge research findings, theoretical insights, and innovative practices that illuminate the intersections between language, culture, and creative expression.
Culture Intricacies and Igbo Worldview in George Ndubuisi’s Woes of Ikenga
Culture is seen as the totality of a people’s way of life. It showcases their customs, traditions, value, systems, norms, beliefs, world-views, superstitions and even taboos. So this paper entitled “Culture Intricacies and Igbo Worldviews in George Ndubuisi’s Woes of Ikenga” set out to explore aspects of the culture of the Igbo’s and their worldview of life. The objectives of the study seek to investigate the culture intricacies and Igbo worldview in George’s Ndubuisi Woes of Ikenga. The theoretical framework for the study is sociological criticism which maintains that literature has a relationship with society and should bring changes. Data for the study was from two main sources, primary and secondary sources. The text under study is the primary source, while library texts, journals and internet formed the secondary sources. The findings include the use of proverbs to pass on a message, the ritual of new yam festival and its meaning to the Igbo culture, and the nuances of kinship ties and spiritual belief in the Igbo society. The study portrayed the Igbo society as it was before the coming of the white men and how after they left changed and affected the Igbo view of the world.
Culture, Fate, Customs, Superstition, Supernatural, Reincarnation
Lovina I. Madu, Chinomso P. Dozie, Obianuju O. Nnedu
Fate and Predestination in Ola Rotimi’s The Gods Are not to Blame
Fate and Predestination have turned out to be one of those things human beings do consider in their lifetime. It is believed that in African cosmology that one is a product of his “chi” who serves as his protector, shield and the writer of his fate. This divine being plays a major role in the life every average African man. Having the divine being as the supernatural force over the affairs of man, yet man is given an opportunity to choose his fate. Once the fate of is chosen, it cannot be altered. This is the reason why when someone faces a kind of misfortune or a mishap, people tend to tell him that his “chi” is not actually with him. This work then helps to bring out the roles of this fate and predestination through the play understudy. At times some people tend to change their fate, but no matter what they do, they must end up fulfilling that their predestined fate and that is what the Igbos call “o mere ma chi ekweghi” meaning that the person tried but his personal divine being thwarted his efforts. The theoretical framework used is existentialism which has to do with the absurdity of human life. From the work it is observed that though everyone is created by a Supreme Being, yet we should not overlook the roles of this Supreme Being because whatever it predestines, comes to pass; and failure to abide by its laws might result in disaster.
Fate, Predestination, Freewill, Determinism, Fatalism.
Sex Slavery and Exploitation of Women in Ikechukwu Asika’s Tamara
In a patriarchal society, women are faced with all sorts of dehumanisation ranging from deprivation, negligence, maltreatment, marginalisation, oppression, subjugation, exploitation, humiliation and even isolation, all of which emanate from aspects of the people’s culture. As a result, women now cry out for such aspects of the culture that undermine their well being and emancipation to be eradicated. They, therefore, struggle for equality and emancipation in the male dominated society, especially the African society under study here. In fact, in the African society, women are seen as mere tools of necessity-housewives, child bearers, gratifiers of men’s sexual passion; and worst of all, not consulted in the decision making processes in their communities. The women as wives are expected to be submissive, obedient, unquestioning and servile while any challenge to these attributes attracts social disfavour. So the clearly defined roles for women are passed on to the girl-child as she grows. Data for this study is from two main source, primary and secondary sources. The novel under study is the primary sources, while library texts, journals, scholarly articles, the internet are the secondary sources. The theoretical framework for the study is feminism. The novelist wants the men to reconsider their negative notions about women and to also appreciate their contributions in the well-being of their societies, their families and the upbringing of the children.
Patriarchy, Exploitation, Disillusionment, Sexuality, Dehumanization
Ifeoma Chinwe Okwuchukwu, Juliet Nonye Eziuzor
Linguistic Stylistics Study of Chimamanda Adichie’s Purple Hibiscus
The aim of this study is to investigate linguistics stylistic features in Chimamanda Adichie Purple Hibiscus. The specific objectives of the study are to discuss the syntactic features used by the author in this novel and identify the various morphological features the author has used in the novel. Areas of linguistics to investigate on are syntactic and morphology. The study is anchored on Language Variation Theory. Syntactically, it was discovered that Adichie used epizeuxsis, anaphora, asyndeton, parenthesis as the syntactic devices in Purple Hibiscus. For morphology, acronyms, abbreviation, compounding words, initialisms were used to put these elements together to pass a message that is relevant to the study. The researcher also explored the cultural and linguistic background and how they have helped the style of the writing.
Language, Linguistics, Syntax, Morphology, Stylistics
Immigration and Race Relations in Selected Stories in Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's The Thing Around Your Neck
In recent times, it has been observed and recorded that the number of Africans migrating to countries such as Europe, North America, Australia, New Zealand etc. is increasingly high because these countries are perceived as the most ideal places to live on earth. These perceptions are enhanced by what they see in movies where the best sides of these countries are shown. The Africans who already reside in these countries also contribute to this situation as they give the impression that life is easy over there. Though not far from the truth, there is no doubt that the material conditions and social utilities in developed countries have reached higher levels compared to Nigeria. However, the real picture of life abroad is rarely portrayed. It is the recent fictions the show the negative sides of the picture. The researcher with the aid of five short stories in Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's The Thing Around Your Neck, exposes immigration and race relations in order to understand issues surrounding immigrants' lives there. Concentrating on Nigeria and the United States of America, this study adopts racial theory as it looks at what led to African migrations. Enhanced through the use of data gotten from secondary sources, this study therefore explores the intricacies of immigration and discomfitures encountered by individuals who find themselves in foreign nations.
Immigration, Race Relations, Africa, Immigrants, Discrimination
Egbuchiem Lizzy-Jane Onyebuchukwu, Mba Chinwoke
Gender and Violence in Chinelo Okparanta's Under the Udala Trees
Gender and violence are often recurring study interests in literary studies, and thus, there is a plethora of critical papers and research based on the subject matter. However, there has been no study of gender and violence in Chinelo Okparanta's Under the Udala Tree. This paper examines the concepts of gender, sex, and gender-based violence, and the events in Okparanta's text connected to the topic. Set during the Nigerian-Biafran civil war, Under the Udala Tree presents the coming-of-age story of Ijeoma as she deals with the abuses inflicted on her by the war and her patriarchal culture.
Gender, Sex, Violence, Abuse, Queer, War
The Role of Codification in Language Revitalization: A Study of Endangered Languages in Nigeria
Language endangerment poses a significant threat to Nigeria's rich linguistic diversity, with numerous languages facing extinction due to various socio-economic, cultural, and political factors. This paper undertakes a comprehensive examination of the critical role of codification in revitalizing endangered languages in Nigeria. Codification, the systematic process of formalizing a language's structure, including its grammar, vocabulary, and orthography, is essential for language preservation, education, cultural identity, and modern communication. This study investigates the multifaceted factors contributing to language endangerment in Nigeria, including socio-economic pressures, urbanization, cultural assimilation, lack of institutional support, and globalization. It further explores the significance of codification in language revitalization, highlighting its role in preserving linguistic structure, facilitating language teaching, ensuring consistency in language use, and promoting cultural identity. The paper also discusses strategies for effective codification, including community involvement, technological integration, government policies, training and capacity building, and promotion through media and literature. Furthermore, it emphasizes the importance of collaboration between linguists, community leaders, and government agencies in codification efforts. Based on the findings of this study, recommendations are made for the implementation of a national language preservation policy, public awareness campaigns, international collaboration, research and documentation centers to support language codification and revitalization efforts in Nigeria. Ultimately, this paper contributes to the ongoing discussion on language endangerment and revitalization, highlighting the crucial role of codification in preserving Nigeria's linguistic diversity for future generations.
Codification, language revitalization, endangered languages, standardization, cultural identity
Odochi S. Akujobi , Chinenye E. Samuel-Enogwe
The Mistakes of Sarah: Lessons for Modern Relationships
This article explores the timeless lessons that can be gleaned from the biblical story of Sarah, particularly in the context of modern relationships. By examining Sarah’s mistakes and their consequences, this study aims to provide insights into the complexities of human emotions, relationships, and spiritual growth. Through a mixed-methods approach, incorporating biblical exegesis, psychological analysis, and sociological perspectives, this research identifies key takeaways for fostering healthier, more resilient relationships in contemporary society. However, this article proffers solution to the mistake of Sarah that still takes place in our society. It was discovered that people still make the mistake of Sarah as a result of circumstances surrounding them, such as traditions and culture, greed and circumstantial pressures.
Mistakes, Sarah, Lessons, Modern Relationships
Style, Lexical Choice, and Media Ideology of Select Newspaper Reports on IPOB Crisis
The study investigated the style, lexical choice, and media ideology of select Nigerian newspaper reports on the IPOB crisis. Framing theory by Erving Goffman (1974) served as the framework for the study. Four research questions were formulated to guide the study. Population of the study comprised select Nigerian newspaper reports between January to December, 2017. The sample size was selected using purposive sampling method and the data for the study were sourced from printed newspaper copies as well as online publications from the digital archives of these selected newspapers. The data were analysed qualitatively using content analysis. The findings of the study reveal that evaluative, manipulative, and persuasive styles are predominantly employed to portray IPOB negatively, framing the group as a violent and destabilizing force against national security. Through strategic lexical choices and certain linguistic features, the findings suggest that these framing techniques contribute to a broader ideological agenda that prioritizes state control and security over alternative political expressions. It also discussed the implications and recommendations based on the findings of the study.
Media Ideology, Framing, Journalistic style, Lexical choice, IPOB crisis
Destiny Jachike Onyebuchi , Odochi S. Akujobi
The Quest for a National Language in Nigeria: A Critical Analysis of Language Policy and its Implications
Nigeria’s linguistic diversity poses significant challenges to national unity and development. This study critically examines the country’s language policy, exploring the historical, social and political factors shaping the quest for a national language. Through a critical discourse analysis of existing language policies and literature, this research investigates the implications of language policy on national identity, education and socio-economic development. The findings highlight the complexities and tensions surrounding language policies in Nigeria, underscoring the need for a nuanced approach that balances linguistic diversity, with national cohesion. This study contributes to the ongoing debate on language policy and national development.
National Language, Critical Analysis, Language Policy, Implications
The Role of Language in Peace Building and Conflict Management: A Case Study of Nnamdi Azikiwe University , Awka, Nigeria
Language holds a significant influence on human interactions, perceptions and the dynamics of conflict and peace. This study examines the intricate relationship between language and conflict resolution within the diverse community of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, emphasizing the pivotal role of language in peace building and conflict management. The article explores how language can either escalate tension or contribute to their mitigation within the university community. Through a review of existing literature and case studies, this research demonstrates how language can be used to build trust, resolve conflicts and promote peaceful resolution. The study also identifies language barriers and biases that can hinder effective conflict management and peace building. The findings emphasize the importance of language sensitivity training, cultural awareness and effective communication strategies in peace building and conflict management initiatives. This research contributes to the understanding of the vital role language plays in promoting peace and resolving conflicts, throwing more light in the need for language to be prioritized in peace building and conflict management efforts.
Language, Conflict Management, Peace Building, Communication, Conflict Resolution
The Quest for a National Language in Nigeria: A Critical Analysis of Language Policy and Its Implications
Nigeria’s linguistic diversity poses significant challenges to national unity and development. This study critically examines the country’s language policy, exploring the historical, social and political factors shaping the quest for a national language. Through a critical discourse analysis of existing language policies and literature, this research investigates the implications of language policy on national identity, education and socio-economic development. The findings highlight the complexities and tensions surrounding language policies in Nigeria, underscoring the need for a nuanced approach that balances linguistic diversity with national cohesion. This study contributes to the ongoing debate on language policy and national development.
Language Policy, National Language, Linguistic Diversity, National Identity, Nigeria
The Impact of English Language on Nigerian Indigenous Languages: A Study of Language Shift and Language Death
This study explores the impact of English Language on Nigerian indigenous languages, focusing on language shift and death. English language dominance in education, governance, and media threatens Nigeria's linguistic diversity and cultural fabric. Historically introduced during colonial times, English language became the language of prestige, leading many Nigerians to prioritize it over native tongues. This trend is especially evident in urban areas, where economic opportunities drive the shift towards the English language, often at the expense of local languages. To counter these challenges, the study suggests strategies to revitalize Nigeria's linguistic heritage. It advocates incorporating indigenous languages into education and media, leveraging digital technology for language preservation, and securing governmental support for necessary resources and policies. Ultimately, this paper aims not only to explore the challenges posed by the dominance of English language but also to highlight the intrinsic value of Nigeria’s linguistic diversity. By recognizing the essential role that languages play in cultural identity and national cohesion, the study calls for a concerted effort to preserve Nigeria’s rich linguistic tapestry for future generations. Through comprehensive analysis and detailed exploration, this study aspires to offer actionable strategies that stakeholders can implement to safeguard Nigeria’s linguistic heritage, ensuring that it remains a vibrant and integral part of the nation's cultural landscape.
Nigerian indigenous languages, English language shift, language death, cultural identity, linguistic diversity
Visual Grammar Approach to Sociosemiotics; A Study of Some Selected Cartoons in Nigerian Newspapers
Cartoons are powerful communication weapon for disseminating information because they frequently condense complicated concepts and criticisms into a single visual frame. The aim of this study is to critically analyse some selected cartoons in Nigeria Newspapers using Gunther kress and Van Leeuwen’s visual grammar approach to sociosemiotics to unearth hidden meanings and confront societal concerns. Four cartoons were purposively excerpted from two Nigeria newspapers (Vanguard, Daily Trust) and were analysed using only the representational and interactive metafunctions of visual grammar. It was discovered from the study that cartoon is a semiotic mode that expands readers interpretative and audience repertoires and a contemporary lens for deciphering the intricate process of meaning-making, showing that cartoon strips are not just for mere entertainment.
Sociosemiotics, Cartoons, Multimodal, Visual Grammar
Onugha, Sopuruchi Grace, Chinwe. R. Ezeifeka
Challenges of Cultural Widowhood Practices Against Women in Igboland: The Biblical View, and The Way Out
Immediately after the death of the husband of a woman, the close relations of the late husband, will take almost all the property of the man like: cars, television sets, lands, houses, and etc, including frozen account of the dead husband. Sometimes, the widow is accused of poisoning the husband, and she is expected to prove her innocence by swearing; by crossing over the coffin, or drinking the red sand of the grave of the deceased husband, or forced to drink water used for bathing the husband's corpse. Based on the above situations, widows suffer a lot for lack of human needs. Most of them die early as a result of the stress they pass through. The researcher wonders why the loss of a beloved spouse should result in oppression and deprivation instead of sympathy and support. These problems the widows encounter are mostly as a result of greed from the husband’s relations. The researcher observed that; widows find it difficult to adjust to the new situation in which they find themselves. Based on this, the researcher is interested in investigating the nature of cultural widowhood practices in Nigeria and to proffer possible solutions to these problems. The main purpose of this paper is to study the challenges of widowhood practices in Igboland and the way forward. Oral interview was used as a method of data collection. Secondary and Primary sources were used. Research works were also used. The following recommendations were made; that government, churches, organizations, traditional rulers and women associations should join hands to ameliorate the conditions of widows in Igboland. A strong law must be promulgated to ensure that widows get their rights after the death of their husbands.
Widowhood practices, Igboland, Biblical view
Chinese Drama: A Reflection of Contemporary Realities
Chinese drama, which is deeply rooted in the nation's cultural heritage, has evolved over time, from classical to modern. This article explores how four notable Chinese influential playwrights - Guan Hanqing, Tang Xianzu, Kong Shangren, and Cao Yu - utilized drama to comment on the social, cultural, and political realities of their respective eras. Their works have significantly shaped the genre. These playwrights, spanning dynasties and modern era, include pioneers such as Guan Hanqing of the Yuan Dynasty, whose classical masterpieces created the groundwork for Chinese theatre, and Cao Yu, whose modernist approaches transformed 20th-century Chinese drama. The exploration delves into their distinct contributions, thematic preoccupations, and stylistic innovations, hence the researcher did a critical analysis of the playwrights’ factors in the development of Chinese drama using primary and secondary sources of data collection. It is in this regards that this study is guided by the theory of New Historicism, which is the study of literature that investigates social and historical issues, complex ethical issues, encourages empathy and understanding. However, the paper discovers the socio-political contexts in which these playwrights produced their works, highlighting how Chinese drama has served as both an artistic and political tool throughout history. However, the paper also provides insight into how these writers have shaped Chinese drama. The study promotes the rich and diverse tradition of Chinese drama, which has long served as a mirror to the nation's soul, reflecting the complexities, struggles, and aspirations of its people.
Dynasties, Modernist, Exploration, Thematic, Innovations
Peace Education, Self-Discipline and Personal Integrity: Antidotes to Hate-Speech and Vacillating Democracy in Nigeria for Sustainable Development
Hate-speech has been heating up the polity in Nigeria, and has heightened insecurity and polarization of the citizens along ethnic, tribal and religious divides, with a vacillating democracy, thus hindering sustainable development. This paper is an attempt at finding solutions to hate-speech in Nigeria, to stabilize democracy, and engender sustainable development, in line with the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals. Using the method of conceptual, textual and critical analysis, the paper discusses hate-speech, its causes, and its effects on Nigerian democracy and sustainable development. Reasons for hate-speech and how it can be curtailed or totally eliminated are also discussed. The findings show that hate-speech is a big setback to Nigerian democracy. It is also found that four major reasons are responsible for its continued spread. These are: absence of strong peace education; absence of clear delineation of utterances that constitute hate speech in Nigeria, with a legal framework; selective justice, where some citizens are treated as untouchables and above the law; and lack of self-discipline and personal integrity on the part of the hate-speech makers. In the light of the findings, the paper concludes that hate-speech is a venom with lethargic effects on Nigerian democracy and sustainable development, and should be decisively dealt with. As antidotes to hate-speech, the paper advocates strong peace education; enactment of law which clearly states utterances that constitute hate speech in Nigeria, with appropriate sanctions for offenders; and equal treatment of all citizens under the law. It is also advocated that citizens, especially the highly placed in the society, should make it a point of duty, in conscience and for social order, to cultivate the practice of self-discipline and personal integrity, as this will even be more beneficial to the self and the society than acting under fear of law.
Self-Discipline, Hate-Speech, Integrity, Education, Development
Individual Differences in English Language Acquisition: A Study of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) Undergraduates
Second language learning outcomes vary among individuals due to a variety of factors, such as; personality factors, social effects, strategy usage, age and individual differences. The study examined these factors and how they interact to influence language acquisition, as well as their relationship in the acquisition of a second language using the English language situation in Nigeria. Data were obtained using self-administered questionnaires distributed among students of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, Nigeria. They were represented on tables, and analyzed using the descriptive statistics of simple percentages. The results showed that there are factors that influence individual differences in the acquisition of English language as a second language. The strategies to manage these differences for a successful acquisition of the English Language were recommended.
English Language, Acquisition, UNIZIK, Undergraduates
Kosieme Fortunate Egbule, Esther Anyanwu
Good morning, afternoon and Evening. I would have said how are you? but your faceless nature makes it difficult for me to address you properly. I do not know if you are he, she or it, but all I know is that you kill without consideration. Oh God!
I am an Autistic Artist writer, about to pen down how my mind and that of my colleagues in the facility work daily like my favourite game “The Dice".
CREOLE AND IDENTITY: A STUDY OF LANGUAGE USE AND CULTURAL EXPRESSION
Creole languages are generally associated with colonization, slavery, and migration, which serve as dynamic symbols of resistance, survival, and cultural heritage The study explored the relationship between Creole languages and the construction of identity, focusing on how language use reflects and shapes cultural expression in Creole-speaking communities. It examined the sociolinguistic evolution of Creole as a contact language that developed from pidgins and nativized over time. The role of Creole as a marker of both individual and collective identity, particularly in multilingual environments where speakers often navigate between Creole and the former colonial language was also evaluated. The function of Creole in different socio-cultural contexts, from informal community interactions to formal domains such as education, governance, and media was reviewed. Particular attention was paid to the phenomenon of code-switching and its implications for identity negotiation. Furthermore, the study analyzed how Creole languages are represented in literature, music, and other forms of cultural production, revealing the ways in which these languages preserve oral traditions, folklore, and indigenous knowledge. Cultural expression through Creole was highlighted as a vital means of maintaining a connection to history and community, especially in contexts of diaspora and globalization. In addition, the study addressed the challenges faced by Creole languages, including stigmatization, language preservation, and the push for formal recognition in various regions. Using discourse analysis, the study provided a nuanced understanding of how Creole speakers construct their identities through language. It relied on the sociolinguistic and postcolonial theories to contextualize the power dynamics and cultural narratives that influence perceptions of Creole languages. Finally, the study highlighted the importance of Creole as both a linguistic and cultural resource, underscoring its role in the ongoing negotiation of identity in postcolonial and global contexts.
Creole, Identity, Language Use, Cultural Expression
Conceptual Metaphor: Faith as Access to a World of No Limit By Bishop David Oyedepo
The use of metaphor in sermons has bridged the gap between physical experiences and abstract spiritual concepts. Bishop David Oyedepo skillfully employs metaphors to make complex theological ideas easier to understand, illustrating the important role of metaphors in religious communication and understanding spiritual experiences. This study therefore, applies Conceptual Metaphor Analysis approach as posited by Lakoff and Johnson (1980). In his sermon, he equates spiritual growth with agriculture, spiritual freedom with physical liberation, and spiritual penetration with physical entry. Faith is portrayed as a shield and trigger, emphasizing its protective and activating roles. Other metaphors include physical submission for spiritual surrender and physical washing for spiritual cleansing, highlighting faith's role in personal transformation and divine protection. The purpose of this study is multifaceted. Firstly, it aims to highlight and group the conceptual metaphors utilized by the preacher in his sermons. Additionally, the study tends to focus on the linguistic features of the conceptual metaphors identified. Finally, the study aims to find out the cultural and theological implications of the metaphors. This study adopts a descriptive research method with the aim of analyzing and explaining the use of metaphors in the sermon of Bishop David Olaniyi Oyedepo.
Metaphors, Conceptual Metaphors, Spiritual Concepts, Religious Communication
Conversation Analysis and Transcription Notation
This work will vividly look at the definitions and semantic interpretations of conversation analysis by various linguistic experts and luminaries. It will take a critical look at the purpose and aims of conversation analysis. The work will also take a close look at adjacency pairs and its substructures, advantages, limitations and future directions of conversation analysis, focus of conversation analysis, inter-subjective understanding, transcription, transcription notation, transcription notation symbols, notable notation symbols, data for conversation analysis, data for conversation analysis and importance of recorded data in conversation analysis.
Conversation Analysis, Transcription, Notation
Presupposition and Deixis-In the Conversations of Nigerians
Language is a powerful tool of expression. In its use, a writer or a speaker tries to alternate, vary or avoid repetition by making use of some items in place of another. In some expressions, a speaker that shares same knowledge of something with the hearer or listener hence, the speaker’s expression may exclude what is assumed the listener already knows. It is on this basis that the study examined Presupposition and Deixis –In the conversations in Anambra State. In the course of this research, the researcher drafted two research questions that guided the study- the researcher went to the area of study, Diocese on the Niger Secretariat at Onitsha North L.G.A., P.G. Common room, Unizik, interviewed and observed the selected sample. The selected samples were selected using simple random sampling and qualitative research design was employed in the study. The study examined presupposition reflected in speeches and dietic expressions. Justice was also done to the types of the two concepts.
Presupposition, Deixis, Conversation, Nigerians
Hybridity in Literary Works in Nigeria: An Aftermath of the English Language in Nigeria
Hybridity as the creation of transcultural forms within a contact point is a result of colonization, which creates room for exchange. This exchange exists in different forms which includes; racial, cultural, political, linguistic, religious, etc. This study examined hybridity in literary works in Nigeria from the linguistic point of view. It highlighted the meaning and different forms of hybridity, narrowing it down to linguistic hybridity which is the thrust of the study. It identified samples of Nigerian English generally used in communication and in literary works. Nigerian literary works and the concept of contact literature were also examined which laid the foundation for analyzing the debate on English use in Nigerian literary works. The study adopted a descriptive qualitative research design. The population of the study comprised literary works of Nigerian authors. However, the study paid close attention to prose works. The sample was selected using convenient sampling technique and five prose works were selected. The data collected from the sample was analyzed within the framework of sociolinguistics and the examples analyzed in the novels illustrate specific types of linguistic behavior among Nigerian users of the English language.
Hybridity, Language, Transliteration, Nativization, Bilinguals, Literature
Dynamics of House Rental Interactions: A Conversational Analysis of a Discourse between a Potential Tenant and Real Estate Agent
The study extensively examined a discourse on the subject of Conversational Analysis, its proponents, fundamental principle; inter-subjectivity, actions, and applications in everyday communication. It evaluated language and communication patterns used in conversation such as, turn-taking, adjacency pairs, and preference organization. The significant impacts of some fore-bearers of conversational analysis, as well as the methodological approaches to conducting conversational analysis and the interaction between the potential tenant (Princess) and the real estate agent (house agent) were discussed. The Jefferson Notation System was used to analyze data collected through a cell phone recording. The study outcome addressed the significance of conversational analysis in understanding micro-level social interactions, and their potential interdisciplinary relevance.
Conversational Analysis, Micro-analysis, Macro-analysis, Ethno-methodological
Rhetoric Performativities of Pronouns: A Reading of Campaign Speeches
This study examined rhetorical performativities of pronouns; a reading of campaign speeches of Bola Ahmed Tinubu (Nigeria) and Joe Biden (United States of America). The paper organized in segments including introduction, statement of the problem, conceptual review, method, discussion and conclusion. The main focus of the study is on determining whom the two presidents refer to when they use the pronouns I, you and we and to compare the differences in pronominal usage by the two presidents. The results suggest that the pronominal choices of the presidents do not differ significantly. The results also indicate that the pronoun I is used when the speaker wants to speak as an individual rather than as a representative of a group. You is used both as generic pronoun as well as in a particular sense. The pronoun we is used to invoke a sense of collectivity and to share responsibility, referring to the campaigner and the audience/people. Overall, it is important to note that the choices of pronoun and whom the pronouns refer to vary greatly depending on the context of the speech.
Rhetoric, Performativities, Pronoun, Campaign Speeches
The Usage and Deployment of Nigerian English in Prose Fiction
The rationale for a Nigerian variety of the English language, a variety that will exhaustively catalogue the things, events and processes in the Nigerian environment; this mode of expression to give prominence to the core symbols, shared meanings, norms and values which may only find expression in the Nigerian variety of English. This works look at the various features that are evident when Nigerian prose fiction writers are writing any text. We analyzed these feature with regards to : Code-mixing/code switching, loan words in text, acronyms, transliterated/ translated local idioms and culture-bound expressions, Syntactic innovations and Discourse particles, Coinages, Proverbs, Reduplication, Reference to religious overtones, and use of pidgin, the standard form or standard English, fidelity to oral tradition like the folklore and through the adoption of traditional story telling devices, we have them in expressions such as “once upon a time”, “as our people say”, “it was our fathers who said”, “our people have a saying”. We look at these features as evidence of Nigerian English in the texts we analyzed such as Purple Hibiscus, Half of yellow sun, Odiuko, the General Army, Americanah etc. these are just a few and they were used to represent the Nigerianess or the way we speak our own English. We thus realized that the English that Nigerians speak daily isn’t devoid of the factors we used in analyzing them and also these features have continued to gain prominence and will continue to as more persons use these and more writers are produced. Thus we encourage us all to continue to use our standard as it is gaining more and more prominence.
Usage, Deployment, Nigerian English, Prose Fiction
Divorce and its effects on Children: Biblical perspectives on Divorce
Divorce has been an order of the day. Several cases of divorce appear in our newspaper and social media. There are unimaginable recordings of divorce in our community. A month can hardly pass without one or more cases of divorce. Even in the church, couples who call themselves Christians get divorced. This is becoming worry some. Divorce is never the will of God. As we can see in the book of Matthew 19:6 ―since they are no longer two but one, let no one split apart what God has joined together‖ (NLT). The dissolution of a marriage can have far-reaching consequences, such as: emotional trauma, financial instability and stigmatization. There are numerous causes of divorce such as lack of communication and infidelity. Oral interview and bible text were major method used. It was discovered that most of the couples were not well informed and groomed about marriage. The research was able to find out the causes and effects of divorce especially on children. This research aims to provide a comprehensive overview of divorce and proffered solutions to divorce and recommends that couples be groomed before entering into marriage.
Divorce, Children, Biblical Perspectives
A Critical Pragmatic Analysis of illocutionary Acts in Political Conversations in Esiaba Irobi’s Post-Independence Text; Nwokedi
This paper analyzes selected political conversational discourses in Esiaba Irobi’s drama text Nwokedi and aims to examine how meaning is generated, interpreted and understood in the context of conversations and how various political underlying ideologies were enacted in the text. Five conversations were selected from the text, using qualitative research method the conversations were studied and analyzed using speech acts theory as modified by Kreidler (1998) and Grice (1975) cooperative principle and conversational Implicature. Analysis shows that there are uses of various illocutionary acts such as assertive, expressive and verdictive acts for meaning explication and communication of the author’s implicit ideology, in addition such pragmatic tools like inference, reference and implicature were used to reveal meaning imbedded in the texts which helped the readers follow the theme and story line of the text.
Pragmatics, Critical Pragmatics, Speech Acts, Implicature.