A Stylistic Reading of Shoneyin’s <i>The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives</i>

Abstract

Language, in whatever way or circumstances it is used, is not an end but a means to an end. Every individual has a unique way he uses language to suit his purpose. This paper assesses the pertinent linguistic and literary peculiarities adopted by Shoneyin in portraying the societal mishap levelled on women in an African setting. The study reveals that the author uses the first and third person points of view in the narration. Shoneyin employs a simple diction and a diversified register. In giving accurate details, she uses a lot of obscene words and expressions which gives the work pornographic perceptions. Shoneyin’s language habits have indeed resulted in linguistic disparity.