Stylistic peculiarities of “Gandoki” by Muhammadu Bello Kagara

Abstract

The article analyzes specific language features of historical work, “Gandoki”, by Muhammadu Bello Kagara, written in Hausa in the 30th of the XXth century. “Gandoki” is known as one of the first examples of Hausa creative writing. The writer experiments with different elements of Hausa combat folklore, tales and proverbs, some features of traditional oral poetry as kirari. Still, language formulas and descriptive elements typical to Arabic epic are widely used. As a result, Muhammadu Bello Kagara creates specific language which originates from three sources: Hausa tradition, Arabic epic and the author’s basic idea. Bello Kagara is one of the first writers in Hausa literature who undertakes creative experiment in the field of language expression in the context of literary work. He contributes to the development of creative writing in Hausa literature highlighting aesthetic component, form which traditionally was suppressed by content. Descriptions seem to be also innovative for the literature of the 30th: Bello Kagara introduces descriptions of emotions, feelings, appearance etc.

Keywords:

Hausa literature, language, Nigeria