MIND STYLE AND COGNITIVE FRAMING IN ABUBAKAR ADAM IBRAHIM’S THE WHISPERING TREES

Abstract

This study pioneers cognitive stylistic analysis in Nigerian short fiction,
demonstrating how mind style and cognitive framing function in two selected short
stories: “The Whispering Trees” and “Closure” from Abubakar Adam Ibrahim’s
collection, The Whispering Trees. Drawing on Fowler’s theory of mind style and
Gavins’ text world theory, the study investigates how linguistic features such as
deixis, modality, transitivity, and narrative perspective represent character
consciousness and guide reader interpretation. Through a close textual analysis, the
study explores Salim’s cognitive transformation and spiritual awakening in “The
Whispering Trees” and Sadiya’s emotional stagnation and grief in “Closure.” The
findings reveal that the author’s stylistic choices not only shape the characters’
mental representations but also guide the reader’s cognitive and emotional
engagement with the narratives. This interdisciplinary approach highlights the value
of cognitive stylistics in African literary studies, offering new insights into the
mental and emotional complexities of contemporary Nigerian fiction.