Language and the Construction of Multiple Identities in the Nigerian Novel

Language and the construction of multiple identities in the Nigerian novel examines the multifaceted relation between people and the various identities they construct for themselves and for others through the context-specific ways they use language. Specifically, this book pays attention to how forms of identities – ethnic, cultural, national and gender – are constructed through the use of language in select novels of Adichie, Atta and Betiang. Employing an interdisciplinary approach, this book draws analytical insights from critical discourse analysis, literary discourse analysis and socio-ethno-linguistic analysis. This approach enables the author to engage with the novels, to illuminate the link between the ways Nigerians use language and the identities they construct. Being a context-driven analysis, this book critically scrutinises literary language beyond stylistic borders by interrogating the micro and macro levels of language use, a core analytical paradigm frequently used by discourse analysts who engage in critical discourse analysis.

Reviewer's Comments

‘…the book deals with some of the newer authors rather than the “canonical” African writers […] from the 1960s to the 1980s. This means that this will be one of the first full-length studies to be devoted to these newer authors, who are rapidly gaining international recognition …a welcome addition to the African studies literature.’ – Professor Harry Garuba, Centre for African Studies, University of Cape Town

Part of the African Humanities Series