A DISCOURSE ANALYSIS OF YEJIDE KILANKO’S CHASING BUTTERFLIES AND CHIMAMANDA NGOZI ADICHIE’S PURPLE HIBISCUS

This study examines the use of discourse in Chasing Butterflies by Yejide Kilanko and Purple Hibiscus by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie with a view to revealing how language is employed to project themes, characterize individuals, and expose socio-cultural realities in contemporary African society. The study adopts discourse analysis as a theoretical framework, focusing on linguistic choices, narrative techniques, conversational patterns, and the ideological meanings embedded in the texts. Through qualitative textual analysis, the research investigates how both authors use discourse to portray issues such as gender inequality, family conflict, trauma, religion, identity, oppression, and the struggle for freedom and self-expression. The findings reveal that the two novels employ different but related discourse strategies to depict power relations and societal expectations. In *Chasing Butterflies*, Kilanko uses emotionally charged expressions, silence, and fragmented narration to portray trauma, abuse, and psychological conflict, while *Purple Hibiscus* employs symbolism, dialogue, and narrative voice to expose religious extremism, domestic violence, and political instability. The study further discovers that discourse serves not only as a medium of communication but also as a tool for resistance, identity formation, and social criticism. Both writers creatively manipulate language to reflect the complexities of African family structures and cultural experiences. The study concludes that discourse analysis provides a deeper understanding of literary texts by uncovering hidden meanings, ideologies, and social realities embedded in language. It therefore recommends further scholarly attention to discourse-oriented studies in African literature to enhance critical appreciation of contemporary literary works and their contributions to social transformation.