MALE SPEECH PATTERN IN THE PLAYS OF G.I. NWAOZUZU
ABSTRACT
The patriarchal society has long established men as superior to women. Hence, the speech pattern of men has a profound impact on our understanding of each other in that men have always been dominating and at the helm of affairs in their respective societies and families. They grew accustomed to being in charge and having complete control not only over women and slaves or properties, but even in the choice of language. This situation often gives men wider freedom in the use of some language expressions which could be seen as irresponsible or vulgarly talk when spoken by women. This research therefore, examines male speech pattern using the four Igbo plays of G.I. Nwaozuzu – Ome Ihe Jide Ofo; Ajo Obi; Nke M Ji Ka; and Eruru respectively. The study shows that male speech pattern in G.I. Nwaozuzu plays are not different from those in other plays. This is because the four plays used in the research explicitly show that there are specific speech patterns associated with male folk in the Igbo society. This speech pattern of men sometimes, emanates due to some characteristic traits which men often exhibit. These traits include aggressiveness, anger, craftiness, dominance, pride etc. Besides, men skillfully use mediums such as proverbs, idioms, metaphor, metonyms, witty statements, etc. to express their mood or display their instincts and superiority over women. Some of these characteristic traits reflective of male speech abound in the four plays of G.I. Nwaozuzu used for this study. Consequently, the study examined the linguistics, morphological, grammatical, social and stylistic features in the four plays with regards to male speech pattern within the Igbo setting. Another distinguishing element in the plays is the impact of male speech pattern on various roles and positions men occupy in their families and communities. Despite the fact that some language expressions are usually associated with men and are perceived as male speech pattern, the playwright’s works under study make one understand that some female folks can also speak in the same manner when ascribed the positions or roles of the male folks. Conclusively, the positions, roles, attitude and speech pattern of men are naturally bestowed on them right from creation. This endowment tends to make men superior in their approach to issues such as thinking in pattern of speech. Men have outstanding records in terms of bravery, intellectual, skills, wisdom, self confidence, strength, aggressiveness, domineering attitude and often intimidating. These vices are usually reflected in the male pattern of speech to make them look superior over their female counterpart in the society.