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.
Poetics and Prose of Resistance: Marginalization and Agency in Jack Mapanje’s The Chattering Wagtails of Mikuyu Prison and Tendai Hunchu’s the Hairdresser of Harere
This paper undertakes a comparative analysis of Jack Mapanje’s The Chattering Wagtails of Mikuyu Prison and Tendai Huchu’s The Hairdresser of Harare, two influential works from East and Southern Africa that reflect critical currents in contemporary African literature. The researcher adopts postcolonial theory as theoretical anchor, using primary and secondary sources of data collection. While Mapanje’s poetry arises from the claustrophobic confines of political imprisonment under Malawi’s authoritarian regime, Huchu’s novel explores the vibrant yet morally rigid society of post-independent Zimbabwe. The study discovers how both writers use distinct literary forms—poetry and prose—to critique oppressive systems and illuminate personal and collective struggles. Despite their divergent historical and political contexts, both works exemplify the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring role of African literature as a tool for resistance. This comparative study discovers the relevance of both texts within African literary traditions to the ongoing conversations about voice, agency, and liberation in postcolonial Africa. The paper concludes that literature remains a powerful site for resistance and transformation.
Literature; Truth-Telling; Resistance; Reflection; Transformation
Cornel Onyema Ujowundu & Doris Paschal-Mbakwe
End Bad Governance Protests Utterances in Nigeria-A Pragmatic Act Analysis
This study examined language as social action in the 2024 End Bad Governance protests in Nigeria using Pragmatic Acts Theory (Mey, 2001). Adopting a qualitative approach, twenty purposively selected utterances from protest speeches on YouTube and Instagram were analysed. The study identified key pragmatic acts such as complaining, lamenting, requesting, appealing, warning, and asserting rights. These acts were realised through various practs, including experiential, emotive, directive, rhetorical, and moral-legitimising practs. The findings reveal that protest language is strategically used to express grievances, mobilise support, legitimise demands, and negotiate power within a socio-political context. The study concludes that language functions as a powerful tool for resistance and social change, and it contributes to pragmatic scholarship by demonstrating the relevance of Pragmatic Acts Theory in analysing protest discourse in Nigeria.
Pragmatic Acts, Protest Discourse, Language, Social Action, Nigeria
Nzubechukwu Shalom Nnamekwe & Martina C. Uche
Activity Type and Pragmemic Conflict in Three Selected African Plays
This study examines how conflict in African dramatic discourse is structured through context-bound pragmatic configurations. While African drama has been extensively analysed from thematic and sociopoltical perspectives, relatively limited attention has been paid to how conflict is organised as situated pragmatic action within recognisable activity types. Drawing on Mey’s Pragmatic Acts Theory, particularly the concepts of pragmeme and activity type, the study analyses selected dialogues from Ahmed Yerima’s Hard Ground, Ngugi wa Thiong’o’s The Black Hermit, and Akeem Ajibade’s The Thinking Head. Through qualitative textual analysis, the study identifies recurrent pragmemes that emerge within activity types such as political mobilisation, militant resistance, communal negotiation and generational contestation. The findings demonstrate that conflict is not merely a thematic construct but a contextually regulated interactional process shaped by sociocultural norms, participant roles and ideological positioning. The paper argues that activity type functions as a structuring mechanism that constrains and enables specific pragmemic realisations, thereby organising dramatic conflict as socially meaningful action. The study contributes to pragmatics and African literary studies by foregrounding activity type as a crucial analytical bridge between linguistic configuration and thematic construction in dramatic discourse.
Pragmatic Acts Theory, activity type, pragmeme, conflict, African drama, discourse
Rita Ifeyinwa Igwenagum & Ephraim A. Chukwu
Literature and Resistance: A Study of Christie Watson’s Tiny Sunbirds Faraway
The Niger-Delta region in recent times has been experiencing the politics of local resistance which has remained decisively violent, and the indigenes as a result, have been compelled to perceive the oil environment as a metaphor for death and no longer as a source of improved life. This research work explored the violent contestation around a historically construed sense of grievance, injustice, and inequality experienced through wanton exploitation and devastating impoverishment by both the government and trans-national oil companies. Using Christie Watson’s Tiny Sunbirds Faraway, this study further showcased how the degradation and exploitation of the Niger-Delta environment in the course of oil exploration by both the government and oil companies led to the present conflict which has escalated from ethnic minority protests to fully blown insurgency that has attracted worldwide attention. The transition from resistance as mere protests to militancy as represented by attacks on innocent citizens and oil companies, the effects on the female members of the indigene communities and how these women cope are also critically analyzed in the study. The duo of eco-feminism and Marxist feminism are the theoretical frameworks used in the course of this research. The study concludes by recommending that both the government and the oil companies in the region should, as a matter of policy and urgency provide employment and award contracts to the indigenes of the host communities. This way, the youths’ restiveness in the region which is mostly caused by joblessness will be nipped in the bud.
Resistance, Militancy, Protests, Degradation, Conflicts
Multimodal Humour in Nigerian Tiktok Protest Discourse During The #Endbadgovernance Movement
This study examines how Nigerian TikTok users employ multimodal resources in comment sections to construct humour within protest discourse during the August 2024 #EndBadGovernance movement. Focusing on the interaction of textual language and emojis, the research explores how humour mediates the expression of political critique, social frustration, and collective identity. Using qualitative content analysis informed by Multimodality and Relief Theory, the study analyses selected comments to reveal patterns of sarcastic Pidgin, phonetic stylisation, impersonation, exaggeration, and emoji-mediated affect. Findings show that humour in TikTok comments emerges through semiotic layering of text and emojis, allowing users to express dissatisfaction in socially and emotionally negotiable ways. The study demonstrates that TikTok comment sections are not mere reaction spaces but active sites of meaning-making where political critique, civic engagement, and national identity intersect. The findings have implications for digital activism, civic education, and the study of multimodal political communication in Nigeria.
Multimodal humour, Tiktok, Nigeria, Protest, Endbadgovernance
Excel Chimudinma Amaechi & Ephraim A. Chukwu
Conflict of Piety and Personal Desires in Nigerian Literature: A Study of Okey Ndibe’s Foreign God INC…
This study examines the glaring conflict between piety and personal desires as represented in contemporary Nigerian literature, with particular focus on Okey Ndibe’s Foreign Gods, Inc... The research explores how the author dramatizes the tension between cultural or religious devotion and the individual pursuit of personal aspirations. Using textual analysis, the study investigates the socio-cultural, religious, and economic factors that contribute to this conflict, as well as the psychological and emotional consequences experienced by characters that grapple with such dilemmas. In the text, the conflict is clearly illustrated through Ikechukwu Uzondu’s attempt to reconcile his financial desperation with his inherited reverence for ancestral piety, thereby exposing the tension between tradition, modernity, and global capitalist exploitation. The study reveals that Nigerian literature does not merely portray these conflicts as personal struggles, but as reflections of broader societal realities. Issues such as religious orthodoxy, cultural identity, economic pressures, and patriarchal structures significantly shape the choices and inner turmoil of the characters in the text. Furthermore, the analysis shows that the psychological and emotional burdens of negotiating between piety and desire often result in alienation, guilt, and tragic consequences. By interrogating these themes, the research contributes to a deeper understanding of how Nigerian literature mirrors and critiques societal norms, while also giving voice to the struggles of individuals caught between devotion to faith or culture and the longing for personal gratification.
Piety, Pious, Desire, Religion, Conflict
A Study of Loanwords in Tiv Domains of Communication
Despite the growing presence of loanwords in the Tiv language, the phenomenon remains understudied. Existing literature on Tiv linguistics has largely focused on phonology, morphology, and general grammatical structure, with little systematic attention given to lexical borrowing. This study examines loanwords in Tiv domains of communication. The study aims to identify the loanwords borrowed into the Tiv language and analyses the domains in which they are borrowed. Specifically, the study identified the loanwords that have been borrowed into Tiv communication, analyses the different domains in which the Tiv people have borrowed loanwords, examine the grammatical classes of the borrowed words in Tiv communication. The study adopts the Language Contact Theory, developed by Uriel Weinreich in 1953, which explains that language contact is a central force of linguistic change, leading to the transfer of vocabulary and other linguistic features between languages. This study is library-based research. The data are gathered primarily from secondary sources, including published and unpublished works, academic journals, and online publications on the Tiv language. Additionally, the researchers’ intuitive knowledge as a native Tiv speakers was instrumental in data collection and validation. Findings reveal that Tiv has integrated a significant number of loanwords from other languages, particularly in domains such as agriculture, food, and household tools. These borrowings are shown to be concentrated in areas where new concepts or items have been introduced through cultural contact. The study concludes that lexical borrowing is a common and natural process that enriches Tiv by providing the linguistic resources needed to name new realities. The study recommends the systematic documentation of Tiv loanwords through written records and digital archives. This will preserve the borrowed lexicon and provide a resource for linguistic research and cultural education.
Loanwords, Tiv, Domains, Communication, cultural contact, cultural education
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