ANALYSIS OF METAPHOR IN ENVIRONMENTAL DISCOURSE OF HELON HABILA`S OIL ON WATER

Abstract

This paper examines metaphors as an eco-linguistics device in Helon
Habila’s Oil on Water.This is with a view to investigating the role
of metaphor in constructing environmental discourse in the text
under study. The aim is to uncover the underlying narratives and
power dynamics that drive ecological debates. It also unravels the
hidden meaning and ideology embedded in the use of metaphors
which shape environmental narratives particularly in the text that
addresses the ecological crisis in the Niger Delta. To do this
effectively, the paper adopts eco-linguistic framework and critical
metaphor analysis as a theoretical framework. The research adopts
both models using qualitative method of data collection, the data
used were extracts from the text that addresses the variables under
study. From the analysis carried out, the findings reveal traces of
ample use of metaphoric features used to describe the state of
environmental destruction in the Niger Delta Environment.
Habila’s use of metaphors not only narrates environment
catastrophe but also critique cooperates and government
exploitation in the Niger Delta.