Abstract

This study uses structuralist language theory to examine how morphological parallelism and repetition function in modern African poetry. Based on the seminal writings of Roman Jakobson and Ferdinand de Saussure, the study investigates the ways in which recurring morphemic structures support poetic aesthetics, rhythm, and meaning. The study uses a qualitative analytical approach to look at a few chosen modern poems from online resources and published anthologies. The study finds patterns of derivational and compound morphology, coordinated morphemes, and affixal repetition through close reading and textual analysis, especially in recurrent structures like the anaphoric "Because…" clause. The results show that morphological repetition is not just ornamental but also serves as a structural and semantic tool, dividing the poem into sections that are thematically and rhythmically relatedThe study also shows how cross-cultural morphemic references and binary oppositions are used to create a worldwide poetic identity. This book provides a fresh framework for examining how morphemic recurrence enhances meaning-making in modern poetry and supports the poetic function of language by applying structuralist theory to the morphological level. By emphasising morphology as a crucial element of poetic structure and stylistic creativity, the research advances literary linguistics.