International Journal of Arts, Languages, Linguistics and Literary Studies

A pragmatic interpretation of corruption- infested Nigerian society in Ike Chukwuemeka’s Our Children Are Coming

Amos Made Awobi, Lilian Osinachi Anumudu — Thu, 17 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The study x-rays the Nigerian society by looking at the confessional statements of the different characters in Ike Chukwuemeka’s Our Children Are Coming! The novelist critically examined Nigerian society, especially through the prism of the political and the elite members of the society who are either leaders today or would-be leaders of tomorrow. The objectives of the study are to highlight the rot in the society perpetrated through corruption and moral decadence by the elite members of the society. This study aims to address societal ills by analyzing monologues and dialogues conversations in the novel in order to make the Nigerian society a better place for living. The methodology for this study involved extracting the monologues or self-confessional statements of the characters as well as the open confessions of the adults who appeared before: The Presidential Commission on Juvenile below Twenty-one Years and the young characters who appeared before: The National Commission on Parents Over Twenty-one Years. These statements were extracted and numbered appropriately for ease of analyses of their Implicature for good governance and corruption-free society. The theoretical framework of analysis is Grice’s (1975) Conventional and Conversational Implicature of the statements. The findings revealed the extent of the rot in Nigerian society and the consequences on good governance and national development in Nigeria. The study has also shown that high level intellectualism does not guaranty high moral probity and corruption-free individuals. The study recommends the need for a national reorientation and rebirth for the elite youths and adults in the Nigerian society.

Textual metafunction and thematic structure in computer-mediated communication of scam emails

Mansur Isah Buhari, Muhammad Aliyu Sajo — Thu, 17 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This study analysed the thematic structure of scam email clauses using Halliday's Systemic Functional Grammar framework. The primary objective was to determine the most common thematic structure in scam emails and investigate whether these structures are unique to this type of email. Six categories of Nigerian scam emails were selected for analysis, sourced from personal email spam folders and a consumer-fraud awareness database. A total of 252 clauses from these emails were examined. The results indicated that simple thematic structures were more prevalent than multiple or clausal thematic structures across the Nigerian scam email clauses analysed. Additionally, the study concluded that the thematic structure of a scam email is not determined by its type.

Exploring historical fiction, identity, and memory in Salman Rushdie’s midnight’s children (1981)

Mustapha Bala Ruma, Hauwa Yusuf Labo — Thu, 17 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This paper explores the intersection of identity, history, and memory in Salman Rushdie’s 1981 novel Midnight’s Children. The paper explores how Rushdie created a central character that uses the complementary roles of history and memory to forge an identity that is at once personal and communal. In order to achieve this objective, the paper uses postmodern historiography as its theoretical framework to examine how Rushdie fuses the history of Indian independence with that of the central character, Saleem Sinai through the deployment of an ingenious narrative technique of parallelism. In this regard, we see how memory is used to narrate the stories of the life of Saleem in tandem with that of the emergence of an independent Indian nation. The two histories are simultaneously narrated based on fragmented recollections from memory. Consequently, it becomes difficult to separate the personal from the public, and fact from fiction in the narrative. In the end, the identity of Saleem Sinai is fused with that of the postcolonial Indian nation.

L'efficacité du cours élémentaire de Français enseigne aux étudiants en sciences : Une évaluation comparative de trois Universités au sud-est du Nigeria

Chimmuanya Pearl Ngele, Samuel Orji Awa — Thu, 17 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Cette recherche s'appuie sur l'enseignement de la langue française dans les universités nigérianes. Elle se concentre sur le cours de français élémentaire suivi par les étudiants en sciences. L’objectif de cette recherche est d’évaluer l’efficacité des méthodes utilisées pour enseigner ce cours aux étudiants en sciences. L'étude vise à découvrir les problèmes associés à l'enseignement et à l'apprentissage du français élémentaire par les étudiants en sciences dans trois institutions : l'Université du Nigeria Nsukka, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu Alike Ikwo et Micheal Okpara University of Agriculture. Umudike. L'étude adopte la méthode quantitative. Trois hypothèses sont faites. La population d’échantillon se consiste de trois départements dans les universités sélectionnées : Géologie, Chimie et Nutrition. Comme outil de travail, on utilise des questionnaires semi-structurés et des entretiens. Les questionnaires ont été distribués à 200 étudiants. Des entretiens structurés ont été menés avec des professeurs de français dans les universités sélectionnées. Les données recueillies ont été analysées à l’aide de la méthode de fréquence et d’une approche démographique, et présentées sous forme de tableaux avec des pourcentages calculés. Cette recherche s’appuie sur la théorie de la découverte de Bruner. Les résultats révèlent que les méthodes utilisées pour l’enseignement du français élémentaire dans les établissements sélectionnés se sont avérées inefficaces pour permettre aux apprenants de communiquer en langue française. Ce problème résulte de quatre facteurs principaux : un effectif trop élevé d’étudiants par classe, un temps d’enseignement insuffisant, le manque d’intérêt des étudiants, et l’insuffisance de ressources pédagogiques.

Enumerating and exemplifying as critical stylistic devices in Kaine Agary's Yellow-yellow

Andero Covenant Adura, Idu Ogbanle Janet, Anosike Comfort Odochi — Thu, 17 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Writers express themselves differently. However, they all reflect aspects of human lives and address societal issues. Critical Stylistics is that branch of study that enables the investigation of a text to assess how social problems are expressed through language. This study is based on Enumeration and Exemplification as Critical Stylistic Devices in Kaine Agary's Yellow-Yellow. It, therefore, approaches the text Yellow-Yellow from a critical Stylistic perspective. With the main objectives of identifying the critical stylistic tools used by Kain Agary in the selected excerpts in Yellow-Yellow and identifying the effects of the identified tool on the text and its meaning, Jeffries' (2010) theory of Critical Stylistics was adopted to help complete the study. The study relied on both primary and secondary sources of data. The data for analysis was purposively selected to suit the purpose of the study. The study revealed that Kaine Agary in Yellow-Yellow adopted the enumeration tool in his writing style. This is in response to the first objective. On the discourse meanings from the enumerations, Agary presents from a critical perspective issues that affect humanity and the society humans live in, particularly the oil-rich communities, such as corruption and its resultant consequences; how some illustrious sons help the outer world to destroy their ancestry; how some women change their skin colors with the use of creams to meet up with some standards, the destruction of sources of livelihood, vulnerability of the women of these communities and its effect as well as the obstruction of activities by hoodlums.

Equating and contrasting as critical stylistic devices in Helon Habila’s Oil on water

Okedeji Olunusayo Ayinde, Etim Effiong Ita, Orji Chidi — Thu, 17 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Equating and contrasting are critical stylistic tools for an author to portray various world perspectives. This paper examines equating and contrasting as critical stylistic devices in Helon Habila's Oil on Water. Using Lesley Jefferies's (2009) Critical Stylistic Model and a qualitative textual design, the study examines extracts from the novel to demonstrate how equating and contrasting have been used to project the theme of environmental pollution in Niger. The study analyzes and brings to the fore how both devices have been used to simultaneously portray the psychological anxieties of characters and the polluted environment while contrasting the experiences of social groups and their perspectives in the story. Through these devices, Helon Habila offers a variety of narratives that explicate the socio-political and environmental challenges of the Niger Delta area of Nigeria.

Prioritising as a critical stylistic tool in Helon Habila’s Oil on water

Isaac Komolafe , Joy Ugochi Elemihe, Naphtali Zire Kakaye — Thu, 17 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This research looks at the use of prioritisation as a critical stylistic tool in Helon Habila’s Oil on Water. The research aims to analyse how specific elements within the text are prioritised by Habila to strengthen the ideological dimensions of his narrative, heighten emotional impact, and strengthen topical ideas. The research is qualitative in nature, using Lesley Jefferies (2010) Critical Stylistics Models but focussing only on prioritisation. Ten (10) extracts were selected from the text to demonstrate how this critical stylistic tool has been put into use in the text. The findings show that Habila’s stylistic choices strongly influence the narrative structure and thematic concerns, offering a nuanced understanding of character development and plot dynamics. The study further reveals that prioritisation in Oil on Water sets out to foreground key events and character experiences, create urgency, and examine the differences between expected and actual outcomes. The data analysis shows that Habila employs prioritisation to emphasise notable narrative moments. This technique by Habila also focusses on the emotional and physical states of characters. The study contributes to the broader field of literary criticism by demonstrating how prioritisation functions as a key stylistic tool in contemporary African fiction.

Parentalite africaine dans les romans selectionnes d’alain mabanckou, de fatou diome et de ramonu Sanusi

Koffi Dodzi Aziakonou, Ekpereka Judith Chime — Thu, 17 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Le terme « parentalité africaine dans les romans sélectionnés d’Alain Mabanckou, de Fatou Diome et de Ramonu Sanusi », consiste le guide auquel nous avons appris la valeur et l’importance de nos parents. Ce travail nous rejoint ensemble avec la société dans laquelle nous appartenons pour exprimer en une seule voix que la réussite ou l’échec d’un enfant est due à l’effort ou à la négligence de ses parents. C’est dire leur inhabilité de conduire leurs enfants vers la réussite. Nous avons identifié les dimensions sur lesquelles l’incapacité parentale compromet la vie sociale en Afrique. Cette recherche met tout d’abord en lumière les impacts de la parentalité sur la société africaine. Ensuite, elle aborde les conséquences de l’échec parental, qui constituent les objectifs principaux de notre communication. Cette étude adopte une approche psychanalytique pour analyser les réflexions des individus affectés par l’incapacité parentale, ainsi que les comportements associés dans le cadre romanesque exploré. Elle met en lumière l’importance pour les parents de reconnaître l’impact de leurs choix éducatifs sur le développement de leurs enfants. En ce sens, elle les encourage à adopter des pratiques parentales adaptées pour promouvoir la réussite des enfants africains, tout en contribuant à une société plus équilibrée. Cette étude est pratiquement un devoir humanitaire. Elle présente son importance en rassurant que tous les parents africains s’attachent au devoir parental afin d’éviter cette nuance sociale qu’elle soulève comme la problématique étant les effets de la délinquance juvénile tels que : la déscolarisation, l’agression, le banditisme, l’immigration, la prostitution, le vol, l’abus de la drogue et ainsi de suite pour une bonne société.

Markers in Tiv negation syntax

Mimi Sarah Agum, Justus Leo Jighjigh Ishima — Thu, 17 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The syntax of negation in Tiv, a noteworthy Benue-Congo language spoken in Nigeria, presents an interesting paradigmatic structure, characterized by notable complexities and asymmetries. Leveraging Chomsky's influential Principles and Parameters approach, this study examines the language's negation system, employing descriptive and qualitative methods to elicit and analyze the data. The findings reveal a significant interplay of pre-verbal and post-verbal negation, as Tiv's negative markers "ei", "de", and "ga" exhibit a thoughtful pattern of negation, differing from conventional expectations and highlighting the language's distinctive characteristics. This configuration is marked by the deliberate use of "ei" and "de" in imperative negation in sentence-initial positions, while "ga" effectively negates declarative statements in sentence-final positions, demonstrating a clear relationship between syntax and semantics. Ultimately, Tiv's deviation from the linguistic norm underscores its unique approach to negation, where sentence type and communicative intent guide the placement of negative markers, revealing the language's complex and effective negation system.

La cooperation Franco-Nigeriane : Vers la creation d'une alliance strategique en Afrique

Queen Olubukola Ayeni, Pretty Chinwendu Brown — Thu, 17 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0000

La coopération franco-nigériane s’inscrit dans un contexte marqué par des relations historiques et stratégiques importantes, établies depuis l’indépendance du Nigeria en 1960. Cette collaboration repose sur des échanges économiques, culturels et politiques, renforcés par le rôle croissant du Nigeria comme puissance régionale en Afrique de l’Ouest et la position historique de la France sur le continent. Toutefois, cette relation est complexifiée par des tensions, notamment dues à des perceptions d’ingérence française et aux défis internes auxquels font face les deux pays. Le problème central de l’étude réside dans l’identification des obstacles à une coopération équilibrée et durable entre la France et le Nigeria, dans un cadre où les attentes des deux parties divergent parfois. L’étude vise à proposer des stratégies pour renforcer cette alliance en mettant l’accent sur la sécurité, le commerce, l’éducation et le développement durable. La méthodologie adoptée repose sur une analyse documentaire approfondie, complétée par des études de cas illustrant les projets bilatéraux réussis et les points de friction. Les données sont analysées pour dégager des recommandations concrètes. Les résultats montrent des avancées significatives, comme une coopération accrue dans la lutte contre le terrorisme et le piratage maritime, ainsi qu’un accroissement des investissements bilatéraux. Cependant, des efforts restent nécessaires pour surmonter les obstacles géopolitiques et renforcer la confiance mutuelle.

Rethinking African Indigenous Knowledge and its relevance in rural development: The case studies of ewondo folktales

Essomba Anne Obono, Yusuf Labo Hauwa — Thu, 17 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Folktales are sometimes seen as irrelevant in the context of contemporary development. Despite the general consensus on the artistic merits of traditional stories and the role played by tradition in the linguistic and cultural continuity of indigenous people, they are hardly used to improve man’s socio-cultural environment. The main objective of this paper is to show that development of the rural area is impossible if it is not premised on their own historic-cultural conditions. In fact, the improvement of our traditional societies can never progress socially on the basis of unrestrictedly borrowed cultures. This work lays its foundations on the hypothesis that, traditional and popular culture can play a significant role in resolving local problems related to poverty, moral standards and education. To achieve the set objectives, the study used empirical method which required a collection of oral tales narrated in some ethnic groups in Ewondo tribe. Through direct questioning, we posed open-ended questions to our informants. The work concluded that the cultural heritage can be used for the economic growth and development in the rural area.

A pragmatic analysis of speech acts in 2023 Nigerian presidential campaign speeches of Tinubu and Obi

Hannatu Kwasau, Rukaya Abdulrasheed — Thu, 17 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This study investigated the speech acts in the 2023 Nigerian presidential campaign speeches of two frontline presidential aspirants: Bola Ahmed Tinubu of All Progressive Congress (APC) and Peter Obi of Labour Party (LP) and how they have used language as a tool in their bid to canvass for support. This study adopted both qualitative and quantitative approaches in order to analyse both underlying themes and narratives constructed in the speech acts as well as determine the frequency of the various speech acts deployed in the campaign speeches. The data for this study were sourced from the recorded videos and documented campaign speeches by TVC, Channels Television and AIT on YouTube. The study adopted the random sampling technique to select four (4) campaign speeches, two by each candidate. The theoretical frameworks adopted for this study are the Speech Acts Theory particularly J. L. Austin (1962) and Searle’s (1969) speech acts taxonomies. Based on the findings of the study, the dominant speech acts deployed in the campaign speeches of Tinubu and Obi are the Commissives with (30.7%) consisting promising, pledging, committing, guaranteeing and assuring. The second dominant acts are the representatives, covering (30%) of the total speech acts, mostly asserting, reporting, informing, revealing, stating, claiming, accusing, blaming, criticising. The rest of the distribution include Expressive (20.7%), including thanking, condoling, blessing, well-wishing and apologising; and Directives (16%) Speech Acts, comprising, directing, pleading, requesting, advising, questioning. The result indicated that the least employed speech acts are the declaratives, consisting of only (2.5%) of the entire speech acts. The study concludes that political campaign speeches are rich in speech acts, serving as strategic tools for candidates to garner public support, and politicians prioritise two key objectives - communicating their vision and building trust and hope.

Semantic analysis of presupposition and entailment as truth conditional sense relations in Tiv language

Peter Terfa Iorfa, Elizabeth Ugechi — Thu, 17 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Truth conditional sense relations in language are expressed through presupposition and entailment. The basic idea behind presupposition in semantics is that the falsity of the presuppose sentence causes the presupposing sentence not to have truthvalue (T or F.). Furthermore, both a sentence and its denial have the same semantic presupposition. One sentence ‘S’ is said to entail another sentence ‘S’ when the truth of the first guarantees the truth of the second and the falsity of the sentence guarantees the falsity of the other. Researches conducted on sense relations in Tiv focus on lexical sense relations neglecting truth-conditional sense relations: presupposition and entailment. The paper sets to analyse presupposition and entailment as truth conditional sense relations in Tiv. The basic objectives are: (i) to analyse presupposition as a truth-conditional sense relation in Tiv, and (2) to examine what certain statements or utterances entail. Data for the study were sourced from the speakers of Tiv in different gatherings. This was done through observation of the speakers’ speeches without them being aware that they were been observed. Notes were taken on statements or utterances found to be significant to this research. Some sentences were picked from texts written in Tiv. The paper found out that both presupposition and entailment are evident in Tiv language. In the Tiv language, both presupposition and entailment express the truth conditional value of sentences. The analysis proves that truth-conditional theory is suitable in analysing presupposition and entailment in the Tiv language. The paper concludes that the knowledge of presupposition and entailment is necessary in mastering and using the Tiv language, interpreting and understanding utterances used by the speakers and writers in the Tiv language.

Practs in Oladimeji Ilerioluwa Aloba’s (Mohbad) selected depressive songs

Olawunmi Oni-Buraimoh — Thu, 17 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Studies abound in the literature on how music can signpost depression. However, there is a dearth of research on depressive language in the lyrics of late Oladimeji Ilerioluwa Aloba (Mohbad), a Nigerian popular artiste. Hence, this paper highlights the linguistic markers of depression in selected Mohbad’s songs’ lyrics. Using Jacob Mey’s (2001), Pragmatic Act Theory, the researcher purposively selected five songs from Mohbad’s music catalogue with the aim of identifying linguistic choices that index depression, and the Practs (pragmatic functions) of the linguistic strategies. Findings reveal that Mohbad uses referential techniques such as endophoric references, personal pronouns, creative lexicalization (blending) and naming. There are different types of practs in the songs such as doubting, worrying, soliciting and fear. Applying pragmatic principles to musical lyrics helps to gain insights into prevailing issues that artistes may be going through. This invariably means that music provides a platform for accessing the mental state of artistes as explicated in this paper. Songs should not be taken on their face values so that inherent psychological issues can be arrested in good time before they are escalated.

Socio-cultural practices and identity formation in Nigerian literature: A psycho-social analysis of Abi Daré’s the girl with the louding voice and Chigozie Obioma’s the fishermen

Thu, 17 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This study explores the relationship between socio-cultural practices and identity formation in Nigerian literature with focus on two selected Nigerian novels, Abi Daré’s The Girl with the Louding Voice and Chigozie Obioma The Fishermen. Erik Erikson’s Psycho-social Development theory was used to examine how cultural settings and norms influence the formation of individual identities, emphasizing the impact of parental guidance, societal expectations, and religious beliefs through a detailed qualitative analysis. The findings reveal that parental neglect fosters resilience but also leads to tragic consequences. Furthermore, the findings highlight the importance of supportive family system. The paper concludes that societal norms and religious beliefs in the challenges and opportunities presented by socio- cultural dynamics greatly help in shaping characters' identities in the texts. Recommendations stemming from this study advocates for creating supportive environments for identity exploration, fostering open communication, integrating diverse literature in education, and advocating for societal change to eliminate harmful cultural conditions.

An ecocritical reading of Chimeka Garricks’ Tomorrow died yesterday

Olusola Olasunkanmi Oso — Thu, 17 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Studies abound on ecocriticism of various African novels, especially novels with motifs of environmental issues. However, few of these studies have concurrently examined gender inequality and environmental issues in particular literary texts. This study is, therefore, designed to critically examine gender inequality and environmental issues in Chimeka Garricks’ Tomorrow Died Yesterday. The study is specifically an ecocritical reading of the novel. Ecocriticism is adopted as theoretical framework of the study. The interpretive design was employed. Chimeka Garricks’ Tomorrow Died Yesterday was subjected to literary analysis. The study demonstrates how gender inequality and environmental issues are explored by the novelist. The roles of government and people as solution providers in environmental issues are also discussed.

Broken homes and childhood experiences in Christie Watson’s Tiny sunbirds, far away and Sade Adeniran’s Imagine this

Ajibola Toluwalope Kufoniyi, Michael Olamide Okekunle — Thu, 17 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The formative years of a child are critical to their overall development, with early experiences, particularly within the family unit, playing a defining role. This study examines the portrayal of broken families and their impact on children in two selected novels: Christie Watson’s Tiny Sunbirds, Far Away and Sade Adeniran’s Imagine This. While Watson's novel delves into the effects of infidelity on a Nigerian family, Adeniran’s work portrays the challenges faced by a young girl following her family’s relocation to Nigeria. Drawing on structural- functionalism as the theoretical framework, this study explores the emotional, psychological, and academic consequences of broken homes on children, as depicted in these texts. A review of related literature highlights gaps in existing studies, particularly concerning the specific effects of broken families on children’s development. Through qualitative textual analysis, this study identifies how the authors present these effects and underscores the broader societal implications of family instability. The findings reveal that children from broken homes are more susceptible to emotional and behavioral issues, as well as academic challenges, which ultimately hinder their growth and societal contributions. The study concludes by emphasizing literature’s role in reflecting societal issues and fostering awareness of the challenges faced by children in unstable family environments. It advocates for systemic reforms, community support, and individual empathy to mitigate these effects and nurture the potential of every child, ensuring a more equitable and stable future.