A study of the stylistic markers of the language of cartoons in Nigeria

Abstract

This paper discusses the stylistic characteristics of the language of cartoons in some Nigerian newspapers. The analysis focuses on printing styles, stylistic registers, and textual features. The author concludes that the informal style (exemplified by the occurrence of Pidgin English, colloquial forms, loan blends, ellipsis, and telegraphic sentences) characterizes the language of the cartoons. Thus, cartoonists use language as an artistic medium in which various options of language are explored for effective communication.