Abstract
The paper examines the linguistic cues deployed in Osofisan’s Once upon Four Robbers and Red is the Freedom Road with a view to identifying how language is used to rewrite identities in relation to the socio-political and economic realities of Nigeria. The study is anchored on selected excerpts, purposively drawn from Osofisan’s Once upon Four Robbers and Red is the Freedom Road. The texts are preferred because they project contemporary socio-political and economic issues, which are relevant to the present time. The study involves a close reading of the texts in order to identify the thematic issues projected therein. A linguistic reading of the texts is done to discover recurrent linguistic nuances and features of the texts at all levels of linguistic analysis. Data are analysed using constructionist framework, propounded by De Fina, Schiffrin, & Bamberg, 2006. Findings show that the plays adopt powerful narrative language and symbolism to portray the oppression of slaves and the corrupt ruling class. Findings further show how Osofisan adopts language to paint a pathetic picture of the misery of the down-trodden Nigerians amidst opulence and affluence of a few. The study concludes that the two texts harp on Nigerian leadership style and its impact on the masses. The texts are reflections of how Nigerian leaders continue to pursue policies and interests that are injurious to Nigeria’s sustainable growth and development.
Keywords: Language, Identity, Sustainable Growth, Socio-Political, Realities