SOUND SEQUENCES AND STYLE IN IDRIS AMALI'S “WAR OF ANTS”
This paper investigates the role of sound sequences, particularly assonanceandalliteration, in shaping the stylistic structure of Idris Amali's Efeega: War of Ants. Despite significant research on the thematic and cultural dimensions of Amali's work, the phonological features of his poetry, especially their contribution to narrative impact and aesthetic value, remain under-examined. This study seeks to fill that gap by exploring how assonance and alliteration influence the poem's rhythm, emotional tone, and thematic expression. Employing a qualitative and descriptive analysis, the paper identifies key instances of these sound devices and examines their functionalroles in the poem's broader meaning. The findings suggest that assonance and alliteration not only enhance the musicality of the poem but also serve as tools for emphasizing significant thematic concerns, reinforcing emotional depth, and highlighting the poem's oral tradition roots. The study underscores the importance of phonological elements in African poetry, offering insights into how sound patterns can deepen the reader's engagement with the text and amplify its cultural resonance.
Keywords: Sound, Sequences, Style , Amali, Alliteration, and Assonance.