DISCOURSE TECHNIQUES IN ASIKA EMMANUEL IKECHUKWU’S OMEILE
Ofoegbu Cyril Okechukwu
Department of English
Anambra State University, Igbariam Campus, Nigeria
ABSTRACT
The use of language has remained a very important issue in the analysis of any discourse. Discourse here involves language plus context according to some discourse analysts. It looks at how language can be used to achieve objective aims in human development. This paper focuses on the discourse techniques evident in Omeile, a poetic piece put together by Asika, Emmanuel Ikechukwu. It explores his mastery and poetic use of some language features in his poem. This paper focuses mainly on his creative blend of African proverbs in the lines of his poetry, it looks at his conscious use of code mixing to convey the desired ideas, and it looks at his diction and placement of words that stands him out as a descriptive writer. Finally we shall journey through his use of figures of speech, placed strategically to travel through the mind and thinking of a man really caught in chains and captivity of civilization. Our most important aim in this discourse analysis is the discourse techniques employed by the poet, to present to us this poetic ballad of an uncivilized man.