This paper aims at applying the techniques of linguistics to explore the stylistic value of Habila‟ s Measuring Time. Principally, the artistic values of this novel are stressed. To achieve the present result and since this study is non-experimental and not based on statistical measurement but purely text-based and case study, the ex-post facto research design, the primary and secondary data collection methods, the context or textual system of data analysis and the Hallidayan Theory of Systemic Functional Grammar were employed and it was revealed that Habila has re-established the literary conventions of Achebe and his literary sons and daughters with more gusto. His skilful use of language makes his messages lucid and appealing. Specifically, he embellishes his Measuring Time with Nigerian English, Pidgin, foreign and specialized terms, deviant collocations, sound effects, inversion of syntactic rules, African folk tradition and so on to unearth, the aridity, drought, emotional atrophy, sense of fragmentation, loss, exile, feeling of loneliness and despair which define the fictional Keti community, Nigeria and indeed Africa.