EST. 2026

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English Language / Literary Studies · MSc · REF. TA-1612

The Use of Diction and Style as a Vehicle for Tradition Versus Modernity in Zainab Alkali's No Longer at Ease

Abstract

This MSc study investigates the subject matter outlined in the title above through a structured research design appropriate to the MSc level. Using primary and/or secondary data collection methods, the research examines the underlying variables, tests relevant hypotheses, and presents findings with implications for practice and policy. This is placeholder abstract text generated for catalogue preview purposes; the full document contains a complete, topic-specific abstract, literature review, methodology, data analysis, and conclusion.

Chapter One — 1.1 Background to the Study

Scholarly interest in Zainab Alkali's No Longer at Ease has remained strong, reflecting its continued relevance to discussions of Nigerian and African literary identity.

Despite the volume of criticism devoted to No Longer at Ease, its use of diction and style in relation to tradition versus modernity has not been exhaustively examined, leaving room for closer textual analysis.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

While Zainab Alkali's No Longer at Ease is widely studied, there is no settled critical consensus on how its diction and style functions specifically in relation to tradition versus modernity. This study undertakes a close textual analysis to address that gap.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

  1. To examine the use of diction and style in Zainab Alkali's No Longer at Ease.
  2. To analyze how diction and style contributes to the portrayal of tradition versus modernity.
  3. To assess the effectiveness of diction and style as a stylistic/thematic tool in the text.
  4. To situate the findings within the broader context of Nigerian literary/linguistic scholarship.

1.4 Research Questions

  1. How is diction and style used in Zainab Alkali's No Longer at Ease?
  2. In what ways does diction and style contribute to the portrayal of tradition versus modernity?
  3. How effective is diction and style as a stylistic/thematic tool in the text?
  4. How does this reading relate to the broader body of Nigerian literary/linguistic scholarship?

1.5 Significance of the Study

This study is significant to students and teachers of english language / literary studies, offering a close reading of Zainab Alkali's No Longer at Ease that can support classroom discussion and further critical work. It also contributes to the broader body of scholarship on Nigerian literary and linguistic studies.

1.6 Scope of the Study

The study is limited to a close textual analysis of diction and style within No Longer at Ease, reflecting a MSc-level scope; it does not extend to a full survey of the author's other works.

Chapters Two through Five, references and appendices are available for a one-time fee of ₦50,000.

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