E. Nolue Emenanjo

E. Nolue Emenanjo (born Emmanuel Nwanolue Emenanjo; 21 April 1943 – 2 September 2016) was a Nigerian academic scholar, professor, writer and critic who is regarded as a central figure of Igbo literature. His book, A Grammar of Contemporary Igbo: Constituents, Features and Processes (2015), strongly added input to research of Igbo literature and culture. Along with his publications, his Igbo Language and Culture (1975) and Elements of Modern Igbo Grammar (1978). Later books include Auxiliaries in Igbo Syntax (1985) and Multilingualism, Minority Languages, and Language Policy in Nigeria (1990). In the 21st century, Emenanjo is often referred to as the "father of Igbo literature", alongside Tony Ubesie and others.^[1]

Born in Katsina State in the northwestern region of Nigeria, to Igbo parents, his early career and childhood was influenced basically on post-colonial Igbo traditional culture.^{[A 1]} He was birthed in Nigeria and worked in University of Port Harcourt. He relocated to Port Harcourt the capital city of Rivers State in south-south Nigeria after his primary and secondary education, he served as the executive director of the National Institute of Nigerian Languages, Aba and hence, became a professor of linguistics. Known for his critical acclaims of Igbo culture, he would further publish books on Igbo culture and tradition.^{[A 2]}

Over the years, he has had a multifarious career in publishing, teaching, writing and criticism particularly dealing with the promotion of the Igbo language that he was named alongside other Igbo Language writers like Tony Ubesie.^[2] He sought to depict African language and was influenced by Kay Williamson, a British linguist.^{[A 3]}

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