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.