The Device of Graphology in Joe Ushies Poetry. Stylistic and Pedagogical Implications

Master's Thesis from the year 2019 in the subject English Language and Literature Studies - Linguistics, grade: 80.7, Tai Solarin University of Education (College of Humanities), course: English Language (Stylistics), language: English, abstract: This dissertation is an investigation into the poetry of Joe Ushie from the perspective of linguistics. There are different linguistic levels of analysing a literary or non-literary text. These levels include: syntax, semantics, lexis, phonology, graphology and others; in order to achieve the objectives of this study, this essay investigates the deployment of graphology as a device of meaning and aesthetics. Graphology is the study of language in print; a stylistic instrument which makes Ushie's writing peculiarity an illustrating example of style as deviation from the actual linguistic norm. The study adopts foregrounding and multimodality as theoretical frameworks to the stylistic interpretations of the poetry of this author. Foregrounding as a theory was first put forward by Jan Mukrovsky at the University of Prague. Significantly, by establishing a modified model of categorisation of Graphological devices, this research will improve the teaching and learning of graphology as a device of literary composition by way of assisting learners to develop linguistic abilities necessary for them to read, understand and respond to literary and non-literary works sensitively.

Imikan'kopuruk is a making-authority in English and Literary Studies; the sociopolitical activist holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Education from the University of Uyo as well as a Master's degree in English with special interest in Stylistics and African Poetry from Tai Solarin University of Education, Ijagun, Nigeria. He is a member of the Poetics and Linguistics Association (PALA). His literary produce include: The Complex-City of Life and Death, 2019 (Quotes); Tell My Stories The Way They Are, 2019 (Poetry); Echoes of Our Time, 2017 (Poetry); I'll Write You A Letter, 2014 (Short Story); Hours of Pains, 2016 (Essay) and a host of other academic articles in reputable local and international journals.