The language of Achebe's early novels (In the context of Nigerian English)
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Date
1985
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, Nigeria
Abstract
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.
Description
231p
Keywords
Language, Linguistic, Novels, Literacy, English