Analysing Cohesion in two Extracts from Cyprian Ekwensi’s The Drummer Boy

Abstract

This research work focuses on the analysis of cohesion in two extracts from Cyprian Ekwensi’s The Drummer Boy. Drawing on Systemic Functional Linguistics, and more precisely on the cohesion theory, this work aims to explore the cohesive devices in the selected Extracts so as to decode meanings conveyed through the novel. On the basis of a mixed method, the analysis of the selected extracts has revealed among others, the predominance of endophoric references indicating thus the level to which madam Bisi is kind, generous in her compassion towards Akin, the samba player. Then, homophoric references follow in terms of proportions indicating how the author is well rooted in the context of Nigerian culture through his use of the adequate lexical items to familiarize readers within the same culture. The presence of locational references indicates where the events have taken place. On the other hand, the analysis of conjunctive relations shows the relationship between the text illustrating the reality of the situation of disabled people in Nigeria. This research work has shown how cohesion gives meaning to the logic of the text and tends to turn fiction into reality.