Faculty of Arts

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Open Access
The Study of Yoruba Literature: an Assessment
(Obafemi Awolowo University Press, 1977-05-26) Wande, Abimbola
The history of the study of Yoruba literature dates back to about one hundred and twenty-five years ago. During this period-a lot of collection of oral literature was made and many critical works were published on oral and written literature. It is therefore necessary at this juncture to assess whether the efforts made so far have been in the right direction. The main thrust of this lecture is therefore to assess the study of Yoruba literature from that point of view and to examine whether new directions can be charted for the future progress of this discipline. In doing so we are going to identify certain problems confronting the study of Yoruba literature and propose solutions to these problems.
Open Access
Literary Art and Literary Creativity in Contemporary Africa
(Obafemi Awolowo University Press, 1978-11-21) Ogunba, Oyin
The real focus of this lecture is the African literature written in European tongues, and in this case specifically the one in English. There are good reasons why this should be so: first African literature in English raises more pertinent questions about our contemporary situation; secondly it takes Africa straight into the international scene and advertises us to the world (and in this respect the relative fortunes of Fagunwa and Tutuola are instructive); and thirdly it has tried to grapple with far greater problems of art and creativity than the other two literatures.
Open Access
Problems, Principles and Prospects of English Studies in an African University
(University of Ife Press, 1979-01-25) Afolayan, Adebisi
The English language is today the most international of all languages. To acquire it is to possess one of the most efficient keys to the storehouse of human achievements. English studies, therefore, as a discipline cannot but mean the academic pursuit or the search for truth about the most ubiquitous tool. It simply follows from our hypothesis that English studies must be irreducible to simple, straight forward propositions and concepts.
Open Access
A Study of English Phonology of Yoruba Speakers of English as a Second Language: A Re-examination of some Linguistic Problem Areas.
(Obafemi Awolowo University, 1985) Dairo, Anthony Lekan; Atoye, R. O.
Over the years linguists have discovered some sounds that constitute problems for Yoruba speakers of English as a second language and such sounds have been found to be responsible for the deviations in their English speech performances. The contrastive linguists who have worked so far on Yoruba-English comparison have limited their efforts to the standard forms of the two languages. The present study is a further contribution to the work of earlier contrastive linguists but it has gone a bit beyond in its polylectal approach to the phonological problems of Yoruba speakers and users of English as a second language. This study considers three different dialects of Yoruba in its comparison of Yoruba and English and it tries to explain the various substitutions made by Yoruba speakers for the sounds which are either absent in their own language or which generally constitute problems for them. The three dialects considered in this study are the Oyo, Ondo and Ekiti dialects. In the course of the study it was discovered that the substitutions made by Yoruba speakers vary according to their dialect backgrounds and that some of the sounds absent in the ‘standard’ form of Yoruba are not necessarily absent in all its dialects. It is therefore necessary for linguists to always consider second language learners’ dialect backgrounds for an exhaustive study of their phonological problems. This type of polylectal study would cater for an in-depth description of what actually happens when second language learners learn and use the target language.
Open Access
The Problem of Meaning Equivalence in the Translation of Literary Text: The Example of Soyinka's A Forest of a Thousand Demons
(Obafemi Awolowo University, 1985) Ojo, Gordon Oluwaseyi; Ajulo, E.B.
This study sets out to examine the gap created in translation by the non-existence of meaning equivalence between Soyinka's A Forest a Thousand Demons and Fagunwa's Ogboju Ode Ninu Igbo irunmale The examination of the meaning gap between the two texts is made through a retranslation into English Via. Yoruba approach. Items from the source text, Ogboju Ode Ninu Igbo Irunmale are compared with their translated counterparts in the target text, A Forest of a Thousand Demons. It is discovered that while some of the items are adequately translated in terms of meaning, some are not. It is also observed that the problem of non-existence of meaning equivalence in translation is attributable to both Socio-Cultural and Linguistic factors. Furthermore, the various approaches used by Soyinka to overcome the problem of meaning-equivalence in translation and their degree of success were also examined. In conclusion, it is noted that although the non existence of meaning-equivalence is a real problem in translation, it is not a total block to the process of translation. That is, the problem can be overcome if the translator takes into consideration a number of factors.
Open Access
An Examination of Code-Switching among Itsekiri-English Bilinguals.
(Obafemi Awolowo University, 1985) Adokpaye, Thelma; Pariola, Goke
This study set out to examine the Socio-linguistic constraints on conversational code-switching among educated Itsekiri-English bilinguals living in Lagos. It was carried out with the primary aim being, to distinguish the social factors motivating the bilingual's code-switching and to establish the linguistic constraints on the code-switching. This study was carried out with the aid of a preliminary 4 weeks of field observation of participants in different settings and interactions followed up with 4 hours and 20 minutes of tape recordings of naturally occurring conversation between participants. A detailed analysis of the recorded conversations was carried out to establish the nature of Itsekiri-English bilingual code-switching. Constraints on the switching were attributed to both linguistic and social factors. From this exercise, the varieties of code-switching, the matrix language, word classes and categories of items, the grammatical rules and the number of grammars involved in the code-switching situation were determined. Finally, suggestions were given as to the possibility of establishing a universal grammar for code-switching by comparing the findings in this investigation with those or other people who have worked in this area of language contact.
Open Access
The Quester in Disguise in Soyinka's Works: A Study of the Recurring Theme of Regeneration and Healing.
(Obafemi Awolowo University, 1985) David, Mary T; Ogunba, Oyin
Wole Soyinka's works, fiction, plays and poems are bound together by a persistent theme that appears in almost all of them despite variations of plot, character and setting. This is the theme of regeneration and healing which finds expression through multifarious motifs and symbols, dominant of these being the Quest. Almost all the protagonists of Soyinka appear to be on a quest the aim or the result of which is a heightening of consciousness, a spiritual renewal at the individual of communal level. Renewal is also brought about by a Sacrifice or a Communion Meal two rituals that Soyinka has repeatedly made use of. All this gives to Soyinka's works a deeply religious dimension. One could attribute this to his Yoruba heritage as well as to the deep hold that Christianity has on his imagination despite his renouncing it as a religion. The figure of Christ is evoked in many of his works as the archetype of Sacrifice/Saviour/Healer and also conflated with the dying and risen gods of the Fertility Cults and Vegetation Ceremonies. In all this Soyinka manifests his strong mythopoeic sensibility that delights in tracing and blending analogous myths of renewal from different cultures. His firm grounding in Western Literature has certainly contributed to this. It is clear from a close study of his works that the medieval romance of the Waste Land exerted a powerful influence on his imagination. Scattered in them we find mention or evocation of the Holy Grail and more than a suggestion of a Waste Land in need of fertilizing values. Soyinka's study of the Mystery Religions to which African Cultures bear deep affinity must have revealed to him the meaning of the Grail and the Quest for it a meaning that acquired Christian incrustation in the romances. The Grail as Cornucopia, a horn of plenty, as an alchemical symbol of transformation, as the phoenix that rises from its own ashes, as the Cup of the Mystic Neal, as a renewing initiatory experience, would naturally become a rich and polyvalent symbol in Soyinka's writings. An exegesis of his works in the light of these facts shows the persistence of his themes and their consonance with the ideals that inspire his literary expression and act as the basis for his social commitment.
Open Access
Towards a National Language in Nigeria: Problems & Prospects.
(Obafemi Awolowo University, 1985) Akinwale, Timothy Olayiwola; Awonuga.
This work sets out to find out why the issue of a choice of a national language for Nigeria has remained elusive for so long. This state of affairs has been brought about largely by the fact that the country suffers from an extreme form of linguistic complexity. In highlighting factors that might be in favour or against both endeglossic and exoglossic language choice for the nation we find that so long as issues of number, morality, bureaucratic inertia on the part of the political leadership and the fate of the languages not considered remain unresolved, so long shall the issue of a national language remain elusive. We conclude that English will continue to play its role as the official language for a long time to come; that the implementation of the National Policy on Education, with time, will promote positive linguistic attitudes among the numerous ethnic groups in Nigeria and that because language is a necessary factor but not a sufficient one for unity, other sources of promoting national unity should be explored and exploited.
Open Access
A Study of Phrasal Verb Usage in Nigeria Newspapers.
(Obafemi Awolowo University, 1986) Bashorun, N. O.; Ekundayo, S. A.
This study is an investigation of phrasal verb usage in Nigerian Newspapers. The methodology employed is an adaptation from the works of J. A. Fodor and J. J. Katz, F. R. Palm, Tom McArthur, and Adam Makkai respectively, and the main pre-occupation is the measurement of usage in the newspapers against the categories of linguistic description set up. The introductory and theoretical background to the study is provided along with a review of the contributions of some notable authors on the phrasal verb, and the methodology and categories of linguistic description. Apart from providing a grammatical description of the phrasal verb with information on its morphological structure, and its syntactic and semantic uses, this study also treats textual analytical details, along the parameters of linguistic description set cut.
Open Access
The History of Christianity in the Southern Part of Ondo State. 1875- 1981
(Obafemi Awolowo University, 1986) Akinwumi, Moses Olagoke; Onibere, S.G.A.
The focus of this work is the history of Christianity in the Southern part of Ondo State between 1875 and 1981. But before the advent of Christianity, the indigenes of the area were adherents of African Traditional Religion end still today, Traditional Religion is practiced, The White Missionaries brought Christianity to this area in the year 1875. The C.M.S missionaries were the first to visit the area and they were later followed by other Missionaries from the Catholic and the Methodist Churches. After some of the Missionaries had gained ground the area, the indigenous and. Pentecostal (Aladura) churches came into being. This work also focuses attention on the organisation both the Mission and the Indigenous churches, which have thus been able to contribute to the educational, anemic, social developments and health care services in area. The Churches have contributed immensely to the developments of Western Education in the area and it is on foundation laid by the churches in the realm of western education, that the State Government has been building by establishing higher institutions of learning as the Ondo State University built in Ado-Ekiti. The church in the southern part of Ondo State has been indigenised. The mission churches have gone into a lot of re-organisation and they have introduced into their services the use of local materials and native air. The indigenisation process has eaten deep into the minds of the people and this has led to the establishment of so many indigenous and Pentecostal (Aladura) churches in the southern part of the State. The indigenous churches can be classified into two groups, namely those that are Pentecostal and those that are non-Pentecostal in their made of worship. Some of the Pentecostal churches are the C.AC., the Jesus Generation Church, the C.C.C., the C.M.S etc. and those that are non-Pentecostal include the African Church, the Gospel Faith Mission Church etc. The indigenous end Pentecostal (Aladura) churches are founded so that the indigenes could express Christianity in a way more meaningful to the understanding of the people. The reasons why the indigenous and Pentecostal (Aladura) churches are fast expanding are not far fetched. These churches are always ready to find solutions to the problems facing the Society, most especially domestic problems such barrenness and other unseen evil-forces. The mission, the indigenous and the Pentecostal (Aladura) churches are fast responding to changes and it is gratifying to note that the mission churches have adjusted their conservative and legalistic approach to their religion in order to feature well in the age of indigenisation.
Open Access
The Celestial Church of Christ; The History of an Independent African Church
(Obafemi Awolowo University, 1986) Agbaje, Albert Aduloju; Omoyajowo, J.A.; Onibere, S.G.A.
The Independent Indigenous churches in Africa, of which the Celestial Church of Christ is one, are a twentieth century phenomenon. These indigenous churches have contrasting characteristics in the different African States where they operate. While some of these indigenous churches have come into existence for racial reasons and others as protest groups, the Celestial Church of Christ claims to be the "last ship of Salvation" - kind of "Noah's Ark". It claims divine origin and everything about the church is traced to Divine Revelation. Incidentally, the C.C.C. is the most misunderstood of all the Christian churches in Nigeria. Some see it as a cult while others describe it as a refined Yoruba traditional religion. I have under-taken to investigate the Celestial Church in order to bring out the truth about the faith and practices of that church especially now that the Dramatis Personae connected with the birth and development of that church are still on the stage. The intention is to lay bare the facts and allow individuals to give their own conclusions. In this research therefore, I have attempted to survey the social, political, economic and religious conditions of Porto Novo (Ajase Ipo) in order to show the background on which the Celestial Church of Christ was founded, as well as examine the origins, growth and expansion of the C.C.C. and then to investigate the theology, liturgical practices, organization, administration and constitution of the church. My conclusion is mainly an evaluation of the church as a Christian church vis a vis its contributions to religious change in Nigeria. My approach is mainly historical and theological.
Open Access
Speakers’ Rights in English-English and Yoruba-English Family Discourse
(Obafemi Awolowo University, 1986) Akindele, Dele Oluwafemi; Butler, Chris
The aim of this study is to investigate speakers' rights to initiate conversations in native English (English-English) and English as a Second Language (Yoruba-English) family. More specifically, it aims to find out whether speakers' rights differ with different types of initiation within and between the two family conversation types. The study further investigates speakers' rights to select one another for participation in conversation, and also finds out how such rights are reflected in interruptions in the two types of discourse. The framework for the analysis of the data is based on the Birmingham approach to discourse analysis. Some aspects of the work of the Conversational Analysts are also adopted. It is expected that both the English-English and Yoruba-English family will be hierarchically structured into higher social positions occupied by older adults (parents) and lower positions occupied by younger adults (grown-up children). Further, it is expected that the hierarchical ordering of both types of family will be reflected in the relative frequency with which the older and younger participants initiate discourse, select next speakers and interrupt one another. It is also expected that the hierarchical ordering of the Yoruba-English family will be more rigidly ordered and maintained than that of the English-English family in such a way that participants in the discourse cannot step out of their position in the hierarchy and initiate talk if and when they choose. It is, however, expected that the younger participants in the English-English family will have the choice of stepping out of their position in the hierarchy to initiate talk. On the basis of these expectations, it is predicted that the total proportion of initiations, current-speaker-selects-next technique, self-select technique, and interruptions that the older adults in both types of family conversation will produce will be greater than that of the younger adults. However, although the total proportions are expected to differ, it is predicted that in English-English family conversation, both older and younger participants will produce some of each type of initiation, will select any of the participants as next speaker or self-select, and will interrupt any of the participants. By contrast, it is predicted that in Yoruba-English family conversation, not all types of initiation will be produced by both older and younger adults. Older adults will produce all types of initiation except the type that will be classified as 'Permission-seeking' moves, and the younger adults will produce all types of initiation except what will be categorised as 'Directives' and 'Regulatory negative' moves. In addition, it is predicted that the older adults in Yoruba-English family conversation will select any participant as the next speaker and will self-select in an interaction with their equals or younger adults and will interrupt any ongoing speaker; but that the younger adults will select only their equals as next speaker, self-select only when interacting with their own age group, and interrupt only members of their own age group. The findings are found to support the prediction that the proportion of initiations, current-speaker-selects-next technique, self-select technique, and interruptions that will be produced by the older adults will be greater than that of the younger adults in both types of family conversation. The results also corroborate the prediction that in English-English family conversation, both older and younger adults will produce some of each type of initiation, select any of the participants as next speakers or self-select, and interrupt any of the interactants. The findings support the prediction that in Yoruba-English family conversation, not all types of initiation will be produced by both older and younger adults. Older adults are found to produce all types of initiation except those classified as 'Permission-seeking' moves, and the younger adults are found to produce all types of initiation except those categorised as 'Directives' and 'Regulatory negative' moves. Further, the findings support the prediction that the older adults in Yoruba-English family will select any participants as the next speaker and will self-select in an interaction with their equals or younger adults. However, the results do not support the prediction that the younger adults will select only their equals as next speaker, self-select only when interacting with their own age group and interrupt only members of their own age group.
Open Access
Nigerian Children's Prose Fiction: A Critical Appraisal.
(Obafemi Awolowo University, 1986) Fayose, Philomena Osazie Esigbemi; Oyin, Ogunba
The thesis attempts to draw attention to the much neglected field of children's literature on which very little critical work has so far been done. The methodological approach to the thesis is descriptive as well analytical. A distinction is made between children and adult literature by comparing the literary works of see authors who have written both for children and adults. This way the special features of children's books are isolated. A field survey of critical comments by children on the books they have read is made to establish how Children evaluate their books. A review of critical writings on children's book by adults is also undertaken and some literary standards for judging children's book established. The literary features of Nigerian children's books are studied and analysed. These are then related to the critical criteria for judging children's books established. Children because of their limited experience in literary appreciation appear to judge their books from the way the events of the stories effect their emotion or sense of justice. On the other hand' adult tend to judge children's books with certain literary criteria in mind. Nigerian children's prose fiction is divided into two broad categorise namely folk tales and fantasy stories on the one hand and modern realistic stories on the order. The stories draw their themes motifs and stylistic features from Nigerian oral literature as well as contemporary events. The variety of prose fiction available to Nigerian children and the forms adopted in the stories are rather limited. Based on these findings, it may be necessary to further investigate the reading interests of Nigerian children as a means of providing more varied literature for them.
Open Access
Alioum Fantoure: Romancier D'une Societe en Quete de la Liberte.
(Obafemi Awolowo University, 1986) Eluchie, Victoria Ugoeze; Bestman, M.
Alioum Fantoure is one of the African writers whose novels have received little attention, from literary critics. Some critics do not go beyond his first novel Le Cercle des Tropigue. This study is an in-depth analysis of the African searches for liberty as presented in the four novels of Fantoure. Attention is focused on the three major periods of the African search for liberation depicted in the novels - the colonial era, the period of the struggle for independence and the post-independence era. The analysis reveals a deep-rooted pessimism the part of Fantoure vis-ŕ-vis the liberation of Africa as a continent. The colonial era, with its oppression and exploitation is seen as the beginning of the African woes. Fantoure denounces the lack of unity among Africans fighting for their independence. To the author, Africa's independence is paradoxical in that the social ills of the colonial era are still present. Africans are still in need of liberation from indigenous colonialist but this time their liberation seems to be a myth because of the indifference of the masses and the insensitivity of the leaders to the social problems. Thus, Fantoure sees the African search for liberation as hopeless.
Open Access
Adverbial-Tense Relationships in the Written English of Selected University of Ife Students.
(Obafemi Awolowo University, 1986) Fabusuyi, Mojisola Ajibike; Aremo, Bolaji
Adverbial-tense relationships are an important area of English grammar. It is indeed generally felt that there is the need for learners of English as a second language to master these relationships adequately if they must use the language for effective communication. The present study is an attempt at examining the mastery of the relationships by Nigerian learners and users of English. It would seem clear from the findings that, compared with native speakers, the Nigerian students selected for the study were grossly deficient in their adverbial-tense usage. Thus, it was found that of the 48 temporal meanings identified by David Crystal in a study on adverbial-tense relationships in native English, only 18 were expressed by the students. In the light of the findings, suggestions are made for improvement in the teaching of the relevant areas of English to Nigerian students.
Open Access
The Aladura Movement in Ijesaland 1930-1980.
(Obafemi Awolowo University, 1986) Olayiwola, David Omoleke; Simon, Azuwou Onibere
The purpose of the study was to describe analyse the existence in Ijesaland of the Aladura Movement which, within fifty years of its emergence in a culture-area has become very important the host community as an indigenous Christian Movement. The study applied historico-phenomenlogical and theological approaches in interpreting the data gathered mainly through the participant-observation approach. The study traced the historical and ethnographical background of the ljesa and related the historical, social and political structures at work in Ijesaland to the religious weltanschauung. This was followed by the descriptive analysis of the emergence of the Aladura Movement in Ijesaland as well as of its major beliefs and practices. The conversion processes used by the Aladura in Ijesaland and its catchments areas was then examined. The impact of the Movement in ljesa society- was investigated as a major contribution to the existing body of knowledge by using the indices of religion, anthropology, social culture, econology, politics and economics. In the conclusion there was a discussion of the significance of the Movement as a powerful agent of social and religious changes in Ijesaland, and as a formula for the indigenization of the Christian Church in Nigeria.
Open Access
Register Range in the West African School Certificate English Language Examination (1974-1983).
(Obafemi Awolowo University, 1986) Osisanwo, Isaac Adewale; Afolahan, Adebisi
The English Language in the Nigerian educational system functions as a School subject as well as a medium of instruction especially from the fourth year (in some States). Since it is the predominant medium of receiving lectures, finding out facts through reading and communicating knowledge required, through writing, in higher education, it is then necessary that the new entrants to higher education should have attained a reasonable level of proficiency in the use of the English language. With this assumption a pilot study was carried out to find out the writing competence of the freshmen of Adeyemi College of Education. The study showed a very low level of lexical acquisition and use in spite of their entry qualifications in the English language. This discovery led to the major investigation of finding out the content validity of the WAEC, WASC/GCE English Language examination which they all had passed before their admission. The content validity which was in relation to Lexis had to be investigated through register, a valid means of researching into Lexis. The findings showed a very low correlation between syllabus specifications and examination questions on register, thus supporting the fact that there was lack of content validity and power of discrimination in this aspect of the English language examination. The investigation was concluded with recommendations on how to improve the whole of the WASC English language programme and examination.
Open Access
Obafemi Awolowo Political Theory: A Philosophical Critique.
(Obafemi Awolowo University, 1986) Fasoro, Joseph Olurotimi; Segun, Gbadegesin
A number of Scholars have argued that no African Politicians can be said to have formulated anything that can be regarded as a 'Political theory' that is worth academic study. This line of argument is often based on the inconsistent incoherent and sometimes eclectic nature of the political writings and utterances of African Political Leaders. In this study therefore, it is argued that Chief Obafemi Awolowo of Nigeria can be properly credited with a precise political theory which is 'Democratic Socialism'. It is also argued that though Awolowo's democratic Socialism be regarded as somehow unique considering his rejection of most of the basic presuppositions of both the Marxist and African variants of Socialism, there is no reason for his total rejection of the incorporation of some aspects of African traditional Communalism into his 'Scientific' Socialism. Awolowo's advocacy for non-violent transition of Nigeria from Capitalism to Socialism is here rejected. It is not argued that revolution is inevitable to Socialism, however, it is believed that some element of force or violence may be required in breaking the resistance of the agents of exploitation, if any, when this is noticed. In addition, it is pointed out that Awolowo's argument in favour of the rule of the enlightened or articulate few (that is, those who have cultivated the regime of Mental Magnitude and have thereby banished negative emotions), makes the whole theory not truly democratic. It is argued that Awolowo's attempt to marry religion with Socialism (Political) appears to negate the scientific pretentions of his theory. It is submitted that a truly scientific politics must be separated from religion which deals with the supernatural.
Open Access
The Problem of Grapho-phonological Discrepancy in the Pronunciation of the Yoruba User of English.
(Obafemi Awolowo University, 1986) Fatusin, Stephen Akinnifesi; Atoye., R.O
This work attempts to determine the magnitude of the problem posed to Yoruba L2 learners of English by the inconsistent manner in which English words are represented orthographically and the discrepancy between the way English words are pronounced and the way they are spelt. Information collected from the pronunciation and writing of some secondary school level learners of English serves as data for this work. The analysis of the performance of the learners in two separate spelling and pronunciation tests administered to them shows that the problem of graphemephoneme discrepancy is of a high magnitude. In realization of the futility of all previous attempts to alter the current English orthography for greater phonemicity the work suggests that more serious attention should be given to the teaching of English spelling and pronunciation in Nigerian secondary schools.
Open Access
Individualism in the African Novel: A Heuristic Paradigm.
(Obafemi Awolowo University, 1986) Anyadike, Chima; Jeyifo, Biodun
In this study, patterns formed by highly individualistic characters in the African novel are investigated. It is hoped that firstly, this will throw some light on the problem of how the same societies that need strong individualistic characters for change and development, at the same time need to place certain limits on individualism if they are to muster adequate collective response to problems like colonialism, racism and corruption which cannot be eliminated by lone acts of courage. Secondly, the study also suggests an important dimension in the criteria for the criticism and evaluation of character in the African novel. Lucien Goldmann's formulation regarding the relationship between the themes and forms of literary texts and the moments of social and historical consciousness provide in part the methodological basis of analysis; however, Fanon's analyses of the moments of the colonized consciousness are also significantly relied upon. The idea of conflict and its resolution is central to the line of investigation. In the first part, novels like Mofolo's, Chaka. Achebe's, Things Fall Apart and Abraham's A. wreath for Udomo, in which highly individualistic protagonists locate the source of the conflicts not in themselves but the society are studied. The consequence of these characters adopting more or less messianic roles which more often than not, lend them to tragic ends are clearly delineated. In the second section, attention is devoted to novels like Achebe's Arrow of God, Kane's Ambiguous Adventure and Malick Fall's The wound in which protagonists, more or less aware that they have internalised the contradictions of their societies in themselves, recognise that they are part of the problem. Because of their limited perceptions of the nature and scope of these contradictions, their individualism becomes perverted in ways that lead to inauthentic irrelevant lives. In the final section, attention is paid to protagonists in novels like Beti's Remember Reuben, Ngugi's Petals of Blood and Sembene Ousmane's God's Bits of wood whose actions, in the face of these contradictions, are not like those of the great lonely heroes seeking to lead their people to salvation; rather they are actions arising from the collective struggle to freedom. These lead to the conclusion that although there is a diversity and distinctiveness of individual expression among Africa novelists, they operate from the same mental structure that result from similar historical, socioeconomic conditionings. Consequently, they either deliberately or subliminally, subordinate narrative and aesthetic strategies which writers use to highlight individualism in other traditions of novel writing, to the exploration of group or collective experience in Africa.