Language and Morality: An Analysis of Gabriel Okara’s The Voice

Baridisi Hope Isaac(1*), Ishmael Ukie Gwunireama(2), Tamunosiki Victor Ogan(3),

(1) University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria
(2) University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria
(3) University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria
(*) Corresponding Author




DOI: https://doi.org/10.26858/eltww.v8i2.31272

Abstract


Man’s perceptions or worldviews about reality are conditioned and shaped by the language in which they are expressed. Thus, our knowledge of morality is expressed in the language we use. This paper examines the interrelatedness of language and morality using the matrix of Gabriel Okara’s The Voice. It explores the relationship between language and morality, and how they feature in the actual state of affairs. It utilizes the method of textual analysis and hermeneutic phenomenology in carrying out the research. It concludes that language and morality are inseparably bound together. It recommends a reappraisal of Okara's conception of language and morality within the framework of African ethics.


Keywords


Language; Morality; Hermeneutic Analysis; Gabriel; Okara's Voice

Full Text:

PDF

References


Afolayan, A. (2006). The language question in African philosophy. Ibadan: Hope Publications.

Asuo, O. O., & Kingsley, S. (2017). Asouzu’s Complementary Ontology as a Foundation for a Viable Ethic of the Environment. LWATI: A Journal of Contemporary Research, 14(1), 120-137.

Asuo, O.O. (2018). Integrative Humanism: Providing Perspectives in the Fight Against Climate Change. Ndunode: Calabar Journal of The Humanities, 15(1), 140-159.

Asuo, O.O. (2019). Redefining Terrorism: Making a Case Against Environmental Terrorism. Calabar Journal of Liberal Studies, 20(2), 402-415

Augustine, S. (2014). An Augustine Synthesis. Wipf and Stock Publishers.

Edet, J. A. (2015). Selected Themes in African Philosophy. Calabar: Youngstars Press.

Eyang, A. E. (2018). ‘Hewmanity’ Versus Humanity: Tension and Social Vision in the Poetry of Joe Ushie and Ogaga Ifowodo. GNOSI: An Interdisciplinary Journal of Human Theory and Praxis, 1(1), 97-109.

Eyang, A. E., & Edung, A. A. (2018). ‘Historical Falsehood and the Therapy of Truth: A Reader-Response Interrogation of Mukoma wa Ngugi’s Mrs. Shaw. GNOSI: An Interdisciplinary Journal of Human Theory and Praxis, 1(2), 147-156.

Mishina, U. L., & Iskandar, I. (2019). The Role of English Language in Nigerian Development. GNOSI: An Interdisciplinary Journal of Human Theory and Praxis, 2(2), 47-54.

Nwigwe, B. E. (2003). Unegbe, Basil N. and Emedolu, Christian C. Ethics and Corruption of Language: Perspective in the Philosophy of Language. Port Harcourt: U of P Press.

Nwobu, E. N. (2019). Ludwig Wittgenstein: Language and Culture. GNOSI: An Interdisciplinary Journal of Human Theory and Praxis, 2(1), 104-119.

Nwosu, S. O. (2006). Morality in African Traditional Society. Onitsha: Fab-Anih Press.

Okara, G. (1979). The Voice. London: Heinemann Educational Books Ltd.

Omoregbe, J. I. (2010). Philosophy of Religion: A Philosophical Look at Relgion. Lagos: Joja Educational Research and Publishers Limited.

Ozumba, G. O. (2001). A Course Text on Ethics. Lagos: Obaroh & Ogbinaka Publishers Limited.


Article Metrics

Abstract view : 797 times | PDF view : 82 times

Refbacks

  • There are currently no refbacks.


Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.

View My Stats

Published by:

Pascasarjana, Universitas Negeri Makassar

Jalan Bonto Langkasa, Banta-Bantaeng, Rappocini, Banta-Bantaeng, Kec. Rappocini, Kota Makassar, Sulawesi Selatan 90222
[email protected]

E-ISSN: 2503-2291

P-ISSN: 2303-3037


ELT Worldwide: Journal of English Language Teaching is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial- 4.0 International License.