A Linguistic Stylistic Analysis Of The Campaign Speeches Of Two Presidential Candidates In The 2011 Elections

The ability to communicate effectively is the hallmark of all known politicians wherefore the use of English as an international language has made more people aware of the immense power of words in politics and communication.

Thus, Kamalu and Agangan (2007:35) state that language plays an important role in manifesting political wills and accompanying political actions; this is the case with political campaign, especially in Nigeria where campaign affects the electorate who are on the receiving end. Language is therefore used in a unique way; to achieve set goals and objectives. Consequently, campaign speeches are largely dependent on language which is the focus of this study.

Language provides the individual with a tool for the exploration and analysis of his conceptual ideas and this is what has distinguished and given man his unique position in the world. This is why Isa (2004:1) maintains that one of the most important functions of human language is its role as a means of communication or interaction between members of the society. She further notes that language helps man to establish social relations and other forms of networks which only language can facilitate and which obviously makes man superior to other animals lacking in the instrumentality of language.

Sapir (1927:7) in Abaya (2009:195), Oladayo (2011:38), and Anifowoshe (2006:11) define language as purely non-instinctive method of communicating ideas, emotions, and desires by means of a system of voluntarily produced symbols. According to Harris (1979:53) language is the means by which political ideas are transmitted to the community and that the strength of language in politicking are enormous.

However, language conveys different kinds of information relating not only to the speaker’s beliefs but also his identity and relationship with his listeners and hearers which re-enforce that language is vital to human experience. In other words, language serves as an important tool through which effective interaction, mobilization for national development and transformation are achieved.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION AND GENERAL BACKGROUND

1.0 PREAMBLE

1.1 BACKGROUND TO THE STUDY

1.2  A BRIEF PROFILE OF THE CONTESTANTS

1.3  AN OVERVIEW OF POLITICAL CAMPAIGNS IN NIGERIA

1.4 TYPES OF CAMPAIGNS

1.5 STATEMENT OF THE RESEARCH PROBLEM

1.6 AIM AND OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

1.7 JUSTIFICATION FOR THE STUDY

1.8 SCOPE AND DELIMITATION OF THE STUDY

CHAPTER TWO

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

2.0 INTRODUCTION

2.2 A DEFINITION OF POLITICAL DISCOURSE

2.2.1 LANGUAGE AND POLITICS

2.2.2 Language of Politics in Nigeria

2.3   Political Campaign

2.3.1 THE FEATURES OF LANGUAGE OF POLITICAL CAMPAIGN

2.4 STYLE

2.4.1 STYLISTIC CRITICISM AND STYLE

2.4.2 LITERARY CRITICISM AND LINGUISTIC CRITICISM

2.4.3 THEORITICAL FRAMEWORK

2.4.4 SYSTEMIC FUNCTIONAL LINGUISTICS

CHAPTER THREE

RESEARCH PROCEDURE                

3.0 INTRODUCTION

3.1. METHODS OF DATA COLLECTION

3.2. ANALYTICAL PROCEDURE