The Function of Classical African Literary Works: A Systemic Functional Analysis of Wole Soyinka’s Death and the King’s Horseman
Abstract
This paper is about the systemic functional analysis of Wole Soyinka’s Death and the King’s Horseman, on the basis of the postulate that African classical literary works connote some significant functions. The methodology used in this analysis is the mixed method approach, which is a combination of both quantitative and qualitative linguistic data. Two extracts are therefore selected from the play on a qualitative basis, taking into account the relevance of the exchange in terms of information and the characters involved in the exchange. These are split into numbered analyzable units referred to as clauses in which the various mood components are meticulously and quantitatively identified. The results reveal that the extracts are essentially concerned with propositions, that is, the exchange of information about the rite; while some services are realized through proposals. Modal variables are profusely used in the extracts under consideration, highlighting interlocutors’ various attitudes and judgments regarding the traditional ritual of the king’s horseman death. The analysis of the exchange has uncovered the peck order defined by the colonial administrators whose behaviors are profoundly marked by prejudices regarding the rite. Thus, Soyinka’s play functions as a tool of information and education about African worldview.
Downloads
Metrics
References
2. Cesaire, A. (2000). Discourse on Colonialism (Trans.). New York: Monthly Review Press. (Original work published 1955).
3. Creswell, W. J. (Eds) (2014). Research design: qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches. London: SAGE Publication, Inc.
4. Dawadi, S., Shrestha, S., & Giri, R. A. (2021). Mixed-Methods Research: A Discussion on its Types, Challenges, and Criticisms. Journal of Practical Studies in Education, 2(2), 25-36.
5. Djimet, I. &Alladoum, R. (2019). A Mood Analysis of the English Version of Nicola Sarkosy’s Dakar Speech. Revue Internationale de Linguistique Appliquée, de Littérature et d’Education, 2(3), 80-101.
6. Djimet, I. (2022). Language Use as a Means to Construct Realities: Theme Patterns in Joe Biden’s Speech on the Anniversary of the Capitol Attack. European Scientific Journal, 18(13), 29-42.
7. Doyle, L., Brady, M. & Byrne, G. (2009). An Overview of Mixed Methods Research. Journal of Research in Nursing, 14(2), 175-185.
8. Eggins, S (1994). An introduction to Systemic functional Linguistics. London: Printer publisher.
9. Halliday, M. A. K. (1985). An introduction to Functional Grammar. London: Arnold
10. Halliday, M.A.K &Matthiessen , C.I.M (2004) . An Introduction to Functional Grammar. London: Hodder Headline Group.
11. Koussouhon, A. L. & Dossoumou, A. M. (2015). Political and Ideological Commitments : A Systemic Functional Linguistic and Critical Discourse Analysis of President Buhari’s Inaugural Speech. International Journal of Linguistics and Communication, 3 (2), 24-34.
12. McNulty, E. (2011). Before the Law(s): Wole Soyinka’s Death and the King’s Horseman and the ‘Passages of Bare Life’. St Patrick's College, Dublin City University, 6(3), 1-14.
13. Megbowon, F. K. & Uwah, C. (2020). African Literature: a Tool for Social Regeneration. Unisa Press, 11(1), 1-17.
14. Migliavacca, A. M. (2018). Death and the King’s Horseman‒Analysis and Translation into Portuguese‒.Master Dissertation, Universidadde Federal do Rio Grande do Sul.
15. Ocheni, S. & Nwankwo, B. C. (2012). Analysis of Colonialism and Its Impact in Africa. Cross-Cultural Communication, 8 (3), 46-54.
16. Snow, C. P. (1959). Two cultures. Science, 130(3373), 419-419.
Copyright (c) 2024 Issa Djimet, Kouago Abdoulaye, Guideng Kertemar Aubin
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
.jpg)
