Lexico-Semantic Analysis of Damilare Kuku’s Nearly All the Men in Lagos Are Mad

Student: ISA ABAYOMI ODUKOYA (Project, 2025)
Department of Education and English Language
Tai Solarin University of Education, Ijagun, Ogun State

Abstract

This study conducts a lexical-semantic analysis of Damilare Kuku’s Nearly All the Men in Lagos Are Mad. The research focuses on identifying and analyzing the lexical and semantic innovations within the text to understand how they contribute to the overall meaning of the narrative and its thematic concerns. The methodology employed involves a close reading of the text to extract instances of lexical creativity and semantic shifts, including neologisms, idiomatic expressions, code-switching, and other word-formation processes. The analysis is grounded in linguistic theories such as structural linguistics and semiotics, providing a framework for exploring how language is manipulated to reflect societal attitudes and the author’s stylistic intentions. Through meticulous categorization and analysis of linguistic features, the study reveals that Kuku employs a rich variety of lexical-semantic innovations to depict the complexities of relationships and societal expectations in Lagos. Ultimately, these linguistic techniques not only enhance the vividness and authenticity of the narrative but also serve as instruments of social commentary, reflecting the dynamic linguistic and cultural context of the city.

Keywords
linguistic analysis pidgin lagos lexical semantic innovations narrative societal culture slangs
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