Grafolojia Katika Uchapaji Wa Riwaya Ya Mkamandume

ABSTRACT

The study investigated the role of graphological features used in the Kiswahili novel

Mkamandume authored by Said A. Mohamed. It looked at various graphological features

used in the novel and their impact on the reader. The research was guided by the theory of

stylistics pioneered by Baally (1909) and propagated by Jakobson (1958), Halliday (1971)

and expounded by Leech and Short (1981). More emphasis was however placed on the views

of Leech and Short (1981). According to these theorists, the concept of stylistics also entails

the use of graphological features such as capitalization of words, use of italics, bold,

paragraphing, punctuations among other linguistic features. In terms of delimitations of the

study, this research was basically concerned about graphological features used in the selected

novel and how they impact on the reader. This descriptive research was conducted in the

library where I had the opportunity to access and read more literature about the topic of

research as well as the theory of stylistics. Data collected was sorted out and analysed on the

basis of the research objectives and in conformity with the principles of the guiding theory.

Data presentation was done through written explanations. This research was presented in five

chapters where chapter one comprised of the introduction which covered the background,

research problem, research questions, research objectives, significance of the study, scope,

literature review, theoretical framework as well as the research design. Chapter two looked at

the modern novel in the context of western literature as well as Swahili literature. Chapter

three was a summary of the novel Mkamandume and an analysis of how punctuations have

been used by the writer in the build-up of the novel. Chapter four was an analysis of other

graphological features used by the author other than punctuations to accomplish his work and

their impact on the reader. Chapter five was a summary of all that was researched. The

research outcome was expected to benefit students, scholars, researchers as well as authors of

novels.