Background of the Study
Nigerian indigenous literature is a repository of rich cultural heritage, reflecting traditional narratives alongside modern literary innovations. This study examines syntactic innovations in indigenous literature by comparing traditional oral narratives with contemporary written works. Traditional narratives often employ distinctive syntactic structures such as repetition, parallelism, and non-standard clause constructions, which are deeply rooted in the cultural practices of indigenous communities (Chukwu, 2023). In contrast, modern narratives, while drawing on traditional elements, tend to incorporate standardized syntactic norms influenced by global literary trends. This research aims to analyze the syntactic patterns across these two modes of storytelling, identifying both enduring features and novel innovations. Through a comparative analysis of narrative texts, the study seeks to understand how syntactic evolution reflects broader cultural, social, and technological changes. The findings will contribute to a deeper understanding of language evolution in indigenous literature and provide insights for preserving traditional linguistic heritage while embracing modern literary forms (Chukwu, 2023; Olatunde, 2024).
Statement of the Problem
Despite the significant role of syntax in shaping literary expression, there is limited comparative research on syntactic innovations in Nigerian indigenous literature. Existing studies often treat traditional and modern narratives separately, failing to highlight the transitional processes that drive language change. This gap prevents a comprehensive understanding of how indigenous authors balance cultural tradition with modern influences in their syntactic constructions. Without systematic analysis, key innovations that characterize the evolution of narrative syntax remain undocumented, potentially undermining efforts to preserve indigenous linguistic heritage. This study addresses these deficiencies by providing a comparative analysis of syntactic patterns in traditional and modern narratives (Chukwu, 2023; Olatunde, 2024).
Objectives of the Study
To identify syntactic features in traditional indigenous narratives.
To compare these features with those in modern literary works.
To evaluate the implications of syntactic innovations for cultural preservation.
Research Questions
What syntactic patterns are common in traditional narratives?
How do modern narratives innovate syntactically?
What is the impact of these innovations on cultural expression?
Significance of the Study
This study bridges the gap between traditional and modern linguistic practices in Nigerian literature, providing insights into syntactic innovation and cultural continuity. The findings will benefit literary scholars, linguists, and cultural preservationists by highlighting the dynamic evolution of language in indigenous narratives (Chukwu, 2023).
Scope and Limitations of the Study
The study is limited to comparing syntactic features in selected traditional and modern Nigerian narratives and does not extend to other literary genres.
Definitions of Terms
Syntactic Innovations: New or modified sentence structures in language use.
Indigenous Literature: Literary works rooted in native cultural traditions.
Traditional Narratives: Oral or written stories passed down through generations.
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