A Corpus Linguistic Analysis of Characterisation in Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s Americanah

Abstract

Research in Corpus Linguistics has provided insights into the literary meanings of texts over the past few decades. Building on this foundation, this study aims to enhance the understanding of literary texts by employing corpus tools to analyze the methods of characterisation in Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s novel, Americanah (2013). Specifically, it uses both quantitative and qualitative methods to examine the themes and characters in the novel, illuminating the author’s ideas and style. Through a corpus-based approach, this research examines the keywords and clusters that define the novel’s narrative structure, revealing the ideologies and literary techniques Adichie uses to craft characters and impart meaning about their experiences. The characterisation analysis uncovers recurring themes, rhetorical strategies, and linguistic patterns that enrich the portrayal of characters and narrative progression. The findings provide insights valuable for educational contexts, allowing students and readers to gain a thorough understanding of the text prior to delving into its more complex aspects.