Browsing by Author "Oyeleye, Albert Lekan"

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    The language of Achebe's early novels (In the context of Nigerian English)
    (Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, Nigeria, 1985) Oyeleye, Albert Lekan
    Abstract: In this work, we have sought to demonstrate the relationship between linguistics and literary criticism by using the two early novels Achebe, Things Fall Apart and No Loner at Ease. In doing this, we have tried to show that the study of literary texts written in English, particularly in an EL2 situation can be greatly improved by some knowledge about language. Thus we maintain in the work that an understanding of Nigerian variety of English is a sine qua non for reading and appreciating Nigerian literary texts (written in English), especially Ahebe's two novels under study. The whole work consists of a General Introduction and two major parts - I & II The General Introduction discusses the model of linguistics adopted for the study and the gives a short review of relevant literature. In Part I there is an historical account of the implantation of English in Igloo society, and in Nigeria generally. As a conclusion to Part I, we have attempted to delineate the patterns of English usage in Nigeria generally today. Part TI of the study examines Achebe's major stylistic techniques and devices in adapting English for the expression of his African aspirations; further it gives a selective discussion of some instances of the main uses end methods of character presentation in the two texts under study and lastly, discusses the major varieties of English identified in the texts. In the concluding section of the study we reiterate that stylistics is not meant to replace literary criticism but that it repares' he way for it to operate more effectively.