POETIC LANGUAGE

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTIONAIM OF THE STUDY

(2)     The study also seeks to know how the graghological and lexical analysis of language used by poets has significant role to play in the communication of meaning.

(3)     It is also set to establish that language is extremely important in all human endeavors based on how it is used.

(4)     The study will take a close look at how poetry uses language in a specialized way to convey meaning.

(5)     It will determine the link between language and poetry.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEMS

Literature is divided into three major genres namely drama, poetry and prose. Each of the three genres bas its peculiar features. While drama and prose can be said to be written in simple language that can be easily understood, poetry is not. It is rather written in an elevated/embellished language. This makes it more difficult for ordinary minded person to fully grasp or comprehend the message of the poet at first reading.

This study therefore aims at analyzing the styles of the language used by poets under study as guide in making poetic works more comprehensible to reader especially the ordinary minded one.

RESEARCH  HYPOTHESES

Research hypothetical statements made in this study stand as our assumptions. These assumptions are in agreement with our objectives .

Is there any specific ways in which poets use language?

To what extent do poets communicate their message and meanings in a unique way?

To what extent is poetry unique from other literary genres?

To what extent does a poet explore his own style?

To what extent do poets use language to differentiate their writings from other forms of literature?

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

The purpose of the study is to expose readers particularly the young ones to the nitty gritty of reading, understanding and actually enjoying poetry.

This study also aims at disabusing the minds of literature students of the age long belief that poetry is "acidic" and thus a no go area.

It is also aimed at equipping students with the knowledge of style and stylistics which will show them the hidden joys that poetry can give.

SCOPE OF STUDY

The research will cover the study of stylistic use of language, which is carried out on the selected poems from Wole Soyinka's Telephone Conversation and Oswald Mbuyiseni Mtshali's Nightfall in Soweto. The study will cover the graphological and lexical analysis alone on the selected poems to show the physical features of the lexical items in the poems.

LIMITATIONS OF STUDY

The study would have taken a broader dimension if not for time limit. I would have loved to travel to places of domain of the poets to meet them one on one and get exactly their feelings as they write the poems. But this is impossible because of financial constraints. And also being a first degree project, I am not allowed to bite more that I can chew so as to be able to do a thorough job.