The semantics of lexical units kola and yam in Nigerian fiction

Abstract

The aim of the article is to uncover the cultural specificity of the meaning of lexical units “kola” and “yam” in Nigerian fiction.

Methodology. To solve the tasks at hand, a number of both general scientific and specific methods of investigation were used. Systematic and cluster sampling methods were employed in selecting the linguistic material. The need to describe and analyse the semantic structure of the lexical units, as well as the material of the research, made it possible to resort to the methods of contextual and component analysis. The research deals with modern texts by Igbo authors (1990s – 2010s), as well as the classical works of Chinua Achebe.

Results. This article identifies the culturally specific semantic properties of the lexemes “kola” and “yam”. The use of these lexical units is thoroughly analysed, especially in regards to units that can be considered as lexical neologisms as compared to the referent norm. These neologisms are a part of the lexical field “traditions and customs”. It is concluded that the culturally significant lexeme “yam” has gender markings and symbolizes the masculine principle, which is reflected both in the early and modern stages of the development of English-language Igbo literature.

Research implications. The article is of theoretical and practical value to philologists and specialists that work with various variants of West African English. It provides recommendations as to the translation of phrases containing the kola unit.