A Pragmatic Analysis of Selected Political Speeches in Nigeria

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background to the Study

Political speeches play an important role in shaping public opinion. Leaders use speeches to communicate ideas, persuade citizens and influence national decisions. Because of this, political speeches deserve careful study. Pragmatics helps researchers understand how speakers use language within specific contexts. It focuses on meaning beyond the literal level. Scholars agree that pragmatic features reveal intention, power and strategy in communication (Levinson, 1983).

In Nigeria, political speeches appear during campaigns, national celebrations and policy announcements. These speeches often reflect the social, economic and cultural conditions of the country. Politicians use promises, warnings, appeals and emotional expressions to guide public reaction. Many Nigerians listen closely to political speeches because they expect direction and hope from their leaders. Therefore, it is important to examine the hidden meanings and communicative strategies in these speeches.

A pragmatic analysis helps identify acts such as requests, directives, warnings and declarations. It also focuses on context, audience expectation and the speaker’s goals. Through this method, researchers can show how politicians choose words to achieve specific outcomes. This approach also reveals how language shapes political behaviour. As a result, this study investigates the pragmatic features of selected political speeches in Nigeria.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Political speeches in Nigeria often contain persuasive and strategic language. However, many listeners do not fully understand the deeper meanings behind these speeches. Politicians may use indirect expressions, emotional appeals and rhetorical devices that hide their true intentions. Despite the importance of political communication, few studies examine Nigerian political speeches from a pragmatic perspective. Therefore, there is a need to analyse how pragmatic features influence meaning and public response.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

The main objective of this study is to analyse the pragmatic features in selected Nigerian political speeches.
The specific objectives are to:

1. Identify key pragmatic acts used in the speeches.

2. Examine the communicative strategies used by political leaders.

3. Analyse how context shapes the meaning of the speeches.

4. Assess the effect of pragmatic choices on public interpretation.

1.4 Research Questions

The study answers the following questions:

1. What pragmatic acts appear in selected political speeches

2. How do political leaders use these acts to influence their audience

3. How does context shape meaning in political speeches

4. How do pragmatic choices affect public interpretation

1.5 Significance of the Study

This study benefits students, researchers, political analysts and citizens. It helps students understand how language shapes political behaviour. Researchers gain insight into pragmatic strategies in Nigerian political communication. Political analysts can use the findings to improve their evaluation of leadership speeches. Citizens benefit because they learn how to interpret political messages more critically.

1.6 Scope of the Study

The study focuses on selected political speeches delivered by Nigerian leaders. It limits itself to pragmatic analysis. It does not examine all speeches in the country or explore non verbal communication. The study analyses pragmatic acts, communicative strategies and the influence of context.

1.7 Operational Definition of Terms

Pragmatics: The study of how context influences meaning in communication.
Speech Acts: Actions performed through language, such as requests or promises.
Political Speech: A formal address given by a political leader to an audience.
Context: The situation in which communication takes place.