ABSTRACT
This study is a stylistic analysis of Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie‟s novel
Half Of A Yellow Sun, which comprises four parts with a
total numberof 37 chapters and 433 pages. The aim of this study is to
identify the predominant stylistic devices used by the author in the
novel and the effects achieved by using them. To achieve this aim, the
researcher uses quantitative stylistic analysis which entails the
counting and writing down the number of times each device occurs in the
selected chapters of the novel. Review of related literature is also
done. The researcher chooses this study because Half Of A Yellow Sun is
Chimamanda‟s second and most voluminous novel; it is also an award
winning novel and not much has been done on the stylistic analysis of
the novel. 24 chapters are selected out of the 37 chapters and tables
are used to represent the frequency of occurrence of the predominant
stylistic devices used in the novel. Random selection sampling was used
in parts two and four respectively to select six chapters from each
while part one and part three are selected because they have six
chapters each and need no random sampling. At the end, the predominant
devices found out to be used by Chimamanda are Compound sentences
followed by Compound complex sentences, Parenthetical expression,
Italics, Transliteration and Code-mixing. It is then recommended that
other young writers should adopt Chimamanda‟s style since the aim of
studying style is to improve the vigour of one‟s writing.
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 BACKGROUND OF STUDY
Language is a tool or a code system used for human communication.
It is made up of sounds or graphic symbols, which users or speakers
have accepted to use as units of communication.
Language is a symbol system based on pure or arbitrary conventions
infinitely extendable and modifiable according to the changing needs and
conditions of the speakers.
Robins (1985).
According to Lyons (1970) Languages are:
The principal systems of communication used by particular groups of
human beings within the particular society (Linguistic community) of
which they are members.
The use of language is not restricted to only human beings but for
the purpose of this study, the researcher is concentrating on
language used by human beings. Language as a human property is
used to perform various functions in a society such as
communication, instruction and socialization.