Convergence Language Use in Nigerian Prose as a Platform for Human Development: A Study Of Chimamanda Adichie's <i>Purple Hibiscus</i>

Abstract

All human activities are basically language based. This is to say that humans cannot do without language both verbally and nonverbally. Development of any kind cannot take place without language, this is because, it is language that propels human activities and co-operation. Co-operation cannot occur if humans do not observe certain nuances of language use. Language as a two edged sword can either lead to human development or mar it. So, as humans, if we want to develop economically, academically, socially, spiritually, politically etcetera, we should be able to know how to manipulate our language use to bring about cooperation which in turn brings about development. In order to achieve this, the researchers advocate the use of convergence principles in communication. Twenty- convergence conversations and twenty non- convergence conversations were systematically selected from the text. The accommodation theory by Howard Giles formed the theoretical framework of the study. At the end of the textual analysis, it was discovered by the researchers that convergence communication draw communicators closer to their communicants and as a result co-operation is achieved while non- convergence communication eschew communicators. The researchers therefore recommend that language users should endeavour to apply convergence language use because with that, they can achieve any kind of development humanly possible.

Key words: Language, communication, convergence, divergence, human development