Pragmatic Analysis of Elechi Amadi’s two poems: Nsukka and Harmattan in Zaria

Herein is a presentation authored by Monday, Emmanuel Pereowei.

Abstract

This research used literary work as the object of research. The literary works analyzed in this research are two poems by Elechi Amadi entitled Nsukka and Harmattan in Zaria. The aim of this research is to show the interpretation of language, culture and natural world. while revealing the meaning through language features in the poems. It applied a descriptive method in its analysis. It used multi-modal critical pragmatics as the theory that guided it. The results of the study revealed that the poet used language in describing the natural world and its beauty.

Key words: Elechi Amadi, Pragmatics, language, Poems, Nature.

Introduction

Language is a fundamental component of human existence. It makes sense that language is characterised as the fundamental means by which humans communicate (Aegbija, 2010). However, language can also be expressed through written, nonverbal, and other modes of communication. Therefore, communication is the basis of society (Maduako, 2022). There are a large number of additional channels through which communication can occur, including engagement through conversation (discourse), the delivery of speech through the media (such as television and radio), sign language, spoken word poetry, music (regardless of genre), and a great deal more. It should not be overlooked that, in each of these forms, individual pieces of information are essentially endowed with different senses (meanings) and then transmitted to various types of individuals who, based on their own personal views and biases regarding such information, derive different meanings from the transmitted information. This is an important point that should not be ignored. Therefore, Mr. Stanley’s interpretation of “I love you” may differ from Miss Faith’s, even if the same person is singing or speaking the phrase. Even if Mr. Stanley and Miss Faith are listening to the same person, this holds true. The entire procedure is referred to as “encoding and decoding,” which is an abbreviation of “encode and decode.” The capacity for individual perception enhances the aesthetic value of an artwork. A work of art should be capable of existing independently in terms of meaning and interpretation. However, people are more appreciative of art when it is more prosperous (Ordu, 2022).

Statement of the Problem

Elechi Amadi, a prominent African literary figure, has contributed significantly to the world of literature through his poetic works. Among his collection, the poems “Nsukka” and “Harmattan in Zaria” stand out as captivating pieces that explore various themes and emotions. However, a comprehensive pragmatic analysis of these poems is notably lacking in existing scholarly discourse.

The problem to be addressed in this study revolves around the need to uncover the pragmatic elements embedded in Elechi Amadi’s poems, particularly “Nsukka” and “Harmattan in Zaria.” Pragmatics, as a linguistic subfield, delves into the study of language use in context, encompassing the social and cultural factors that influence communication. Applying a pragmatic lens to these poems will allow for a nuanced examination of the subtle nuances, implied meanings, and contextual significance that may elude a surface-level analysis.

Aim and objectives of the study

This study aims to conduct a pragmatic analysis of Elechi Amadi’s poems, specifically focusing on ‘Nsukka’ and ‘Harmattan in Zaria.’ The primary objective is to investigate the pragmatic elements embedded in these literary works, exploring how linguistic choices and discourse strategies contribute to the overall meaning and interpretation of the poems.

Research Questions

The study seeks to address the following key questions:

1. How do linguistic features, such as phonological and morphological, contribute to the pragmatic dimensions of ‘Nsukka’ and ‘Harmattan in Zaria’?

2. What role do verbs and context play and  in shaping the pragmatic meaning of the selected poems, and how do they influence the readers’ understanding?

3. How do speech Acts, cultural and sociolinguistic factors impact the pragmatic aspects of Elechi Amadi’s poetry, particularly in the context of Nigerian literature?

4. Are there specific instances of figurative language, metaphor, or other rhetorical devices that contribute to the pragmatic richness of the poems?

5. To what extent do the pragmatic elements in ‘Nsukka’ and ‘Harmattan in Zaria’ reflect Elechi Amadi’s broader thematic concerns and literary style?

Scope of the Study

The scope of the study is  Elechi Amadi’s two poems, “Nsukka” and “Harmattan in Zaria.” And would involve a detailed examination of the pragmatic elements present in these poems using Multi-Modal critical pragmatic.

Significance of the study

Studying the pragmatic analysis of Elechi Amadi’s two poems, “Nsukka” and “Harmattan in Zaria,” can offer several significant insights and contribute to a deeper understanding of both the literary works and the broader cultural and social context. Here are some potential significances:

Analyzing the pragmatic aspects of the poems can provide insights into the cultural nuances embedded in the language and communication styles. It allows readers to explore how language is used to express cultural experiences, values, and perspectives.

Pragmatic analysis helps uncover the author’s communicative intent and how linguistic choices contribute to the overall meaning. Understanding Amadi’s use of language in these poems can shed light on his perspective, intentions, and the emotions he aims to evoke.

The pragmatic analysis may reveal how the poems serve as a form of social commentary. It could highlight societal issues, experiences, or observations that the author wishes to communicate through his poetry, providing a lens through which to view the cultural and social context of the time.

Examining the pragmatic elements helps understand how readers interpret and engage with the text. It explores how linguistic choices impact the reader’s understanding, emotional response, and the construction of meaning.

Pragmatic analysis allows for a closer examination of literary style and technique. It helps identify rhetorical devices, figurative language, and other linguistic tools that contribute to the aesthetic appeal and artistic value of the poems.

Studying the pragmatic aspects of two poems by the same author enables a comparative analysis. This can reveal commonalities or differences in the author’s use of language and communication strategies, providing a richer understanding of his literary style,

The study can be valuable in an educational context, offering students an opportunity to enhance their critical thinking, analytical, and interpretative skills. It can also contribute to the broader field of literary studies and serve as a basis for further research.

The pragmatic analysis contributes to the preservation of cultural and linguistic elements within the poems. It allows for the documentation and exploration of language use, idioms, and expressions that may be reflective of a specific cultural context.

In summary, the pragmatic analysis of Elechi Amadi’s poems can provide a multifaceted understanding of the works, encompassing cultural, social, and linguistic dimensions. It offers a nuanced exploration of how language functions in the context of poetry, enriching both literary scholarship and cultural appreciation.

Review of Related Literature

Elech Amadi’s writings often delve into traditional African settings, folklore, and the impact of colonialism on local communities. While some critics appreciate his contributions to African literature, others have raised certain concerns and criticisms. But his work on poems has not received much attentions compared to his plays and novels. Despite his poems not receiving criticism from scholars they have same thematic nature with his other works in terms of traditions and Igbo rich culture.  It is on this note that “The Concubine” is often praised for its vivid portrayal of Igbo culture and its exploration of supernatural elements. According to Uche Nduka (2007), “Amadi skillfully blends myth and reality, creating a captivating narrative that immerses the reader in the rich traditions of the Igbo people. However, some critics argue that the novel tends to reinforce stereotypical gender roles. In an article published in “Research in African Literatures,” Chukwuma Azuonye( 2010) criticizes the novel for perpetuating traditional gender norms, stating that “Amadi’s female characters are often relegated to submissive roles, reinforcing patriarchal structures. This traditional role does not embedded in Concubine but to other works of his like  The Great Pond. In “The Great Ponds,” Amadi continues to showcase his storytelling prowess, blending mythology and history to offer a compelling narrative. A review by Chin Ce (2002) in “African Literature Today” commends Amadi’s ability to interweave folklore with historical events, creating a tapestry of cultural richness. On the flip side, some critics, including Adetokunbo Pearse (2013), argue that Amadi’s romanticized portrayal of pre-colonial Africa may oversimplify the complexities of the historical context. Pearse suggests in “World Literature Today” that the novel lacks a critical examination of the socio-political forces at play during that time. In the same vein, The Slave is often lauded for its exploration of the impact of the slave trade on African societies. In a review for “The Journal of Commonwealth Literature,” Obi Maduakor (2013) applauds Amadi for shedding light on a neglected aspect of history, stating that the novel “provides a fresh perspective on the consequences of the transatlantic slave trade. However, some critics argue that Amadi’s narrative style in “The Slave” can be didactic, at times overshadowing the emotional depth of the characters. A review by Chin Ce suggests in “African Literature Today” that the novel’s didacticism may limit its appeal to a broader readership.

In conclusion, Elechi Amadi’s works, while celebrated for their cultural richness and storytelling, have not escaped criticism. Some critiques focus on the reinforcement of gender stereotypes, oversimplification of historical contexts, and a didactic narrative style. As with any literary analysis, perspectives on Amadi’s works can vary, and readers are encouraged to engage with his writings critically.

Theoretical Framework

Multi-Modal Critical Pragmatic Model:

It is a model propounded by Ibiere Ken Maduako (2022). It is a model that uses or applies all kinds of linguistic levels, items, and machinery in interpreting meaning. And the foundation of the model is pragmatics, which means its focus is on the context of speech. According to her, attention is also given to the social aspects of language, power, and dominance, thus bringing out the critical aspects of communication.

Research Methodology

This is a qualitative and descriptive work. Critical resources are evaluated, assessed, and interpreted using qualitative research criteria. To begin, a short summary of the poems’ analytical methodology is offered. Then, pertinent lexical items from the poems are picked using the applied theoretical framework. Grounded theory and practice, ethnography, phenomenology, case studies, and textual analysis are all data gathering methodologies used in qualitative research (Melaknel, 2008).

Results and Findings 

Nsukka

Short Summary

The title of the poem represents the name of a town in the eastern part of Nigeria, precisely in Enugu State. Nsukka is a town where one of the first-generation universities was situated, called the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. The poet describes his visit to the university in 1966 as something amazing compared to his previous visit when the university had been planted. Nsukka as a town has developed as a result of the university. The Nsukka that usually houses red mud houses is now housing supermarkets, colleges, beautiful halls, and shops. With the help of the university, Nsukka has woken up from decades of slumber at an unaccustomed speed. There are countless shops and students in the environment, making the town so beautiful.

Phonological Analysis

There are a lot of sounds in the poem, but the most commonly used are /ai/,/s/,/d/,/b/³/,/æ/ /ð/,/o/,/^/,/u/I:/, /s/, /d/, /b/3/, /o//, and /u/and/i/. These sounds are constantly used in the poem. The repetition of these words and the usage of the rhythmic words create a mental picture of how Nsukka was and when the poet visited it. There were a lot of changes, ranging from buildings, shops, humans, and the beauty of the environment. The poet did this to describe the natural world and the world that is evolving..

Morphological Analysis

The president uses past and present aspects in describing his mission and vision for the citizens. The use of the past aspect shows the previous activities and actions that happened in Nigeria. The free contestation of elections in courts is as a result of democracy. According to the President “ Above all, those who disagree with the out come of the elections are taking full advantage of the constitutional provisions to seek redress in court and that is one of the reasons why democracy is still the best form of government invented by man.”

The placement of the verbs from the poem

In the analysis above, past and continuing aspects were used. The poet’s descriptions were of the past, where he describes how Nssuka was before the University of Nigeria, where Nssuka was stationed. He goes on to further describe the nature of Nsukka and the things within Nssuka, which he uses as a continuation in describing them.

Speech Acts

The poet makes use of illocutionary acts in passing his message to his intended readers. And these acts involve describing, educating, informing, and creating.

The poet employed dirge as a means of portraying the style of life of his people. Elechi Amadi is very rooted in the environment and culture. This gives him the ability to describe Nsukka both in the past and when he visited the university in 1966. This shows his love for nature and the environment. There are catchy phrases that the poet used to show his love for the natural world, which will be analysed below using illocutionary acts.

Datum 1 : Blood-red (Color of the mud houses)

Illocutionary Act.

Informative-stating. The poet is describing how Nsukka was before the University of Nigeria was built. Nsukka’s buildings were known to have red mud walls. The then village has resurrected as a town as a result of the development that is taking place brought about by the university. Amadi tries to tell us that he knows Nsukka very well by describing it thus: “A resurrected village, Nsukka, of blood-red mud walls, racing now with unaccustomed speed.”

Datum 2 : Roads too obviously tarred ( Decent Accessibility)

Illocutionary Act. Expressive-expressing. The poet is expressing his surprise over the different roads tarred in Nssuka. He is surprised to see how accessible Nsukka looks compared to when there were no roads. And the majority of the roads lead to the university, making the environment look beautiful and decent. The poet tries to tell us that neatly tarred roads give the environment beauty and decency.

Datum 3. Mammoth halls (lecture halls)

Illocutionary Act. Expressive –expressing. He expresses joy over the lecture halls he sees at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. And these halls bear fearful names and are situated in good areas of the university. As the poet describes it, “Mammoth halls and colleges stand proudly in the uncertain sun, with names strangely assorted, some conjuring fearful legends…”

Datum 4. Tall American Teachers ( Beautiful lecturers)

Illocutionary Act. Informative-stating. The poet describes the kind of quality lecturers that are there at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. Most of the lecturers are foreign and look beautiful and simple in nature, as he describes them: “tall American teachers, with the hurry of New York and hair mowed to a millimetre, displaying ready-made pants to announce their simplicity.”

Lexical Analysis

From the analysis above, the noun appeared more than any other category. The noun appeared at seventy-nine (79). Following the verb five (5) are the adjective twenty (20), the adverb seven (7), and the preposition five (5). The semantic interpretation is that the poet is concerned about Nsukka and the natural world, which are important to humanity. And this action shows the love he has for Nsukka as a town that harbours a great university in Nigeria. The involvement of numerous nouns is an indication of the nature of Nsukka. The use of verbs is to show the actions and activities that are going on in Nsukka. And the use of prepositions is to show the relationships between humans and the environment.

Syntactic Analysis

Nsukka, as a poem, involves phrases. There is no rule of concord. Amadi makes use of simple phrases in Nsukka to get his message across. Probably, Nsukka was structured in such a manner to portray the natural world of Nsukka. For instance, ” A resurrected village, Nsukka, Of blood-red mud walls, Racing now with unaccustomed speed” The statements are all in phrases, and there is no full or complete sentence.

Pragmatic Interpretation

The poem depicts the natural world and its evolution as a result of man’s activities in his quest for development. Nsukka has that natural beauty, but man adds to it by building universities. There were buildings, beautiful tarred roads, supermarkets, and other man-made things.

Stylistic Analysis

There are different kinds of styles employed in the poem. For instance, the poem is divided into eight stanzas. And each line of a stanza starts with a capital, making the statement incomplete. There is the use of alliteration in line two, stanza one, for “blood red mud” . According to Leech (1969), style is the way in which something is spoken, written, or performed. The essence of the recapitulation is to create emphasis and meaning for the readers. The manner in which the repetitions occur gives meaning to the poem, and the meaning is the poet’s culture. For example, “filling stations barbers saloons.” This statement appears in stanza one to create rhythm. This is a style because it serves as a rhyme in the poem. There is also an element of personification in the poem. In one of the statements by the poet, he said, A resurrected village.” The poet applies this style to let us know that Nsukka, as a village, is becoming a town as a result of the ongoing development.

Semiotic Analysis

Elechi Amadi explores a few signs and symbols in Nsukka. And these items carry meanings, and they are meanings themselves. Onwuegbuzie (2008) defines semiotics as a science that explores the relationship between signs, including talk and text, and their intended specific meanings. For instance, let’s look at some of the symbols and signs in Nsukka. “Varsity” means and represents a place of formal learning. “Blood red” represents colour and landscape. Students are the representation of learners in the Varsity. American teachers represent those foreigners who came to impart knowledge in the poem, etc.

Harmattan in Zaria

Short Summary

Harmattan in Zaria is a poem that describes a natural world. Harmattan is a season in West Africa that occurs between the end of November and the middle of March. It is characterised by and known by the dry and dusty northeasterly trade wind of the same name, which blows from the Sahara over West Africa into the Gulf of Guinea. The poet describes how this season displays itself in the northern part of Nigeria, called Zaria, where he had an encounter with it. It destroys trees and makes everywhere look dusty. It equally describes how the season helps people identify beautiful women for marriage.

Phonological Analysis

There are a lot of sounds in the poem, but the most commonly used are /i:/,/ei/,/ai/,/s/,/d/,/b/³/,/æ/ ð/,/o/^/,/u/i/, These sounds are constantly used in the poem. The repetition of these words and the usage of the rhythmic words create a mental picture of how Harmattan creates havoc in Zaria. There was a lot of destruction caused by Harmattan, ranging from the destruction of human skins, creating dust all over the place in Zaria, killing economic and non-economic trees, and causing cold to the animals..

Morphological Analysis

The poet uses past and continuing aspects in describing the havoc Harattan has caused. The use of past aspects shows the destruction the harmattan has caused. Harmattan causes humans in Zaria to not laugh as they were supposed to, resulting in injuries they may sustain in the course of laughter. This is how the poet depicts “Eve’s lips cracked.” “Laughter-starved thanks to pomade,” Eve’s lips get injured as a result of laughter in harmattan season.

The placement of the verbs from the poem

Speech Acts

The poet makes use of illocutionary acts to make his message known to the intended readers. And these acts involve describing, educating, informing, and creating.

The poet employs speech acts as a means of interpreting the meaning surrounding Harattan’s havoc in Zaria. Elechi Amadi is very familiar with harmattan in Zaria and the environment. This gives him the ability to describe the situation mostly in past form. There are catchy phrases that the poet used to show his love for the natural world, which will be analysed below using illocutionary acts.

Datum 1: Northeast stranger (Harmattan)

Illocutionary Act. Informative-informing. The poet is informing us that the Northeast stranger is harmattan. It is a stranger because it comes in season. The harmattan is not friendly to the people of Zaira, which is why it is called a stranger. It comes from the northeast trade wind with dust and dryness.

Datum 2 : Foo foo (local fermented food)

Illocutionary Act. The harmmatan makes this local food so irritating during the season. The poet describes how the toasted food looks. Harmattan makes it look horrible because it dries the food.

Datum 3: Allah ba mu lafia ( May God bring normalcy)

Illocutionary Act. Expressive: expressing The poet is expressing his desire for God. He did this by offering prayer to the almighty God to calm the harmattan because the destruction was too great for the people. Considering how the harmattan has destroyed so many things, the people are tired of such a season.

Lexical Analysis

From the analysis above, the noun appeared more than any other category. The noun appeared at fourty (40). The verb six (6) is followed by the adjective thirteen (13), the adverb two (2), and the preposition two (2). The semantic interpretation is that the poet is concerned about harmattan, which is causing havoc to humanity. And it shows that the poet is happy with the environment. This is because harmattan is destroying plants, animals, and human beings. The involvement of numerous nouns is an indication of the nature of harmattan. The use of verbs is to show the actions and activities of Harattan. And the use of prepositions is to show the relationships between humans, the environment, and the natural world.

Syntactic Analysis

Harmattan in Zaria is a poem that involves phrases. There is no rule of concord. Amadi makes use of phrases in the poem to get his message across. Probably Harmattan in Zaria is structured in such a manner to portray how Zaria looks during the northeast wind.

Pragmatic Interpretation

The poem is all about the natural world. It tells us where the harmattan comes from each season. Harmattan in Zaria depicts most things the natural world does to mankind, such as the destruction of crops, trees, animals, and human beings. According to the poet, harmattan is a season where you can easily identify a beautiful lady with whom you can get married. For instance, in stanza 3, line 5, “time for marriages,”

Stylistic Analysis

Harmattan in Zaria is divided into six stanzas with thirty-one lines. There is the use of indigenous language in the poem. For instance, “Allah ba mu lafia.” There is the use of assonance in stanza one line four “And leaves brown leaves,” and stanza four line three “Orange wise with wrinkles”. The poet also employs alliteration, for instance, “Strange, sweet “in stanza two line three, “foofo crusty toasted” in stanza four line one, etc.

Semiotic Analysis

Amadi weaves in a few signs and symbols to give the work its real originality and a massage to the readers. There is the use of “Allah,” which symbolises divinity. There is also the use of the word “foofoo,” which represents local African fermented foods. “Harmattan” stands for a particular season. And “man” represents a particular gender.

Conclusion

The ideas of nature, environment, and the natural world have been explored in this work. Amadi has been able to extol and describe nature in a classic manner in his poems. In the poem “Nssuka,” he creates that language and environment for one to understand and appreciate the relationship between man, environment, and development. Amadi is deeply rooted in the African environment, traditions, and culture of Maduako and Ordu (2023). In an African environment, there is always the belief that a good environment gives a fresh breath and a sense of nature. And development makes way for a better and neater environment. In the Harmattan in Zaria, Elechi Amadi portrays nature as unfriendly to man and his environment. This can be deduced from the manner in which the harmattan destroys things and makes man uncomfortable to the point of destroying his skin. In both poems, the poet appreciates nature in Nsukka, whereas the reverse becomes the case in Harmattan in Zaria.

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