LANGUAGE, EMPATHY AND COMMITMENT IN NIGERIAN CIVIL WAR WRITING: PERSPECTIVES FROM AKACHI ADIMORA-EZEIGBO’S „ROSES AND BULLETS“

Jezik, književnost i empatija (2025) (357-376. str.)

AUTOR(I) / AUTHOR(S):Peace Chinwendu Israel Fidelis N. Echendu

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DOI: 10.46793/LLE25.357CI

SAŽETAK / ABSTRACT:

This qualitative study explored linguistic choices showcasing empathy and commitment in Nigerian Civil War writing focusing on Adimora-Ezeigbo’s Roses and Bullets. Based on M. A. K. Halliday’s (1994) Systemic Functional Linguistic theory, the study delved beyond structural organization, venturing into the role of language in building human relationships. Findings revealed that the author employed nine primary linguistic resources – modal auxiliary verbs, semi-modal verbs, modal plus semi-modals, modal adverbs, modal nouns, modal adjectives, lexical verbs, subjunctive mood and indicative mood to showcase empathy in the novel. It was further revealed that Akachi Ezeigbo’s commitment in this novel rests on a tripod: her vivid portrayal of the sufferings of women and children during the war; her picturesque and near tactile depiction of the agony of the main character, Ginika, and her total condemnation of the Nigerian Federal Government’s ignoble roles during the war. It was also discovered that Adimora-Ezeigbo was overtly committed to justifying the cause of the secessionist side while blaming the Nigerian government for their insincerity in resolving the conflicts that led to the war as well as their brutal mode of prosecuting it. The study concluded by emphasizing the role of language in achieving peaceful cooperation, mutual understanding and emotional stability.

KLJUČNE REČI / KEYWORDS:

empathy, modality, commitment, Nigerian civil war, systemic functional linguistics

PROJEKAT / ACKNOWLEDGEMENT:

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