PRAGMATICS ANALYSIS OF PRESIDENT BUHARI'S FAREWELL SPEECH

Abstract

This study employed a quantitative survey research design to investigate the pragmatic dimensions of President Buhari's farewell speech within the context of Nigerian political discourse. A structured questionnaire was meticulously designed to elicit responses from a targeted sample of 120 respondents, aiming to discern the implicit meanings, illocutionary acts, and strategic language use embedded in the speech. The survey data were presented and analyzed using SPSS27, offering a systematic and statistical examination of the participants' perceptions. In the data analysis, t-test methodology was employed to rigorously test the hypotheses formulated in the study. The t-test allowed for a nuanced examination of specific aspects, including the clarity of illocutionary acts, the use of presupposition and implicature, the role of context in shaping interpretation, and the overall effectiveness of the farewell speech in achieving its communicative goals. The findings revealed a positive reception among respondents, indicating a perceived clarity of illocutionary acts, an effective utilization of presupposition and implicature, a recognition of the role of context, and an overall positive assessment of the speech's effectiveness. In conclusion, the study contributes to the understanding of political communication by uncovering the pragmatic intricacies within President Buhari's farewell speech. While recognizing the limitations of the research design and sample size, the study underscores the importance of linguistic nuances in political discourse. The findings suggest the need for heightened awareness and strategic considerations in political communication strategies. Recommendations include enhancing pragmatic awareness in political training, contextual sensitivity in speechwriting, and continuous professional development for communication professionals. These insights contribute to the broader discourse on the intersection of language, politics, and public perception, emphasizing the significance of nuanced communication in the political sphere.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.0. Introduction

Pragmatics, as a linguistic subfield, focuses on the study of language use in context, examining how context influences the interpretation of meaning. This thesis delves into the pragmatic analysis of President Buhari's farewell speech, aiming to unravel the intricate web of linguistic choices and communicative strategies employed in the discourse. President Muhammadu Buhari's farewell speech, delivered on the eve of his departure from office, serves as a rich source for pragmatic investigation, as it encapsulates the complexities of political communication in a dynamic sociocultural context.

1.1 Background to the Study

Political discourse, as a form of communication, is inherently rich in linguistic nuances that go beyond the surface meanings of words. In the realm of political communication, a farewell speech by a sitting president stands out as a distinctive genre, serving as the culmination of their tenure and often shaping the public's perception of their legacy. President Buhari's farewell speech, set against the intricate sociopolitical landscape of Nigeria, offers a compelling subject for pragmatic analysis. This West African nation, renowned for its linguistic diversity and complex sociocultural dynamics, provides an ideal context to explore how pragmatic principles influence the intricacies of political communication.

President Buhari's farewell speech, delivered on the eve of his departure from office, is a historical document of great significance. This speech not only signals the conclusion of a presidential era but also plays a crucial role in framing public memory and understanding of the president's legacy. The choice to focus on this particular speech for pragmatic analysis is motivated by the recognition of its potential to reveal implicit meanings, illocutionary acts, and strategic language use. Pragmatic analysis, in this context, becomes a valuable tool to unearth the hidden layers of meaning embedded in the farewell speech, providing insights into the president's communicative intentions and the potential impact on the audience.

Examining the pragmatic elements of President Buhari's farewell speech requires a nuanced understanding of the linguistic choices made in the discourse. Drawing on the work of Mohammadi and Javadi (2017) in their critical discourse analysis of Donald Trump's language use in the 2016 US presidential campaign, we can employ similar methodologies to dissect the speech. This involves identifying and analyzing the illocutionary acts within the farewell speech—examining not just what is said explicitly, but also the implied intentions and indirect speech acts that may shape the audience's perception.

Additionally, the critical discourse analysis framework proposed by Sharififar and Rahimi (2014) in their study of political speeches, such as those of Obama and Rouhani at the UN, can guide the exploration of presuppositions and implicatures in President Buhari's speech. This approach is essential for unveiling hidden meanings and assumptions that contribute to the rhetorical strategies employed in the farewell address.

Considering the sociopolitical context of Nigeria, as highlighted by Mix (2018) in his analysis of the United Kingdom's background, Brexit, and relations with the United States, becomes imperative. Nigeria's linguistic diversity and complex sociocultural dynamics create a unique backdrop for President Buhari's communication. Navigating this context requires an exploration of how the speech interacts with the sociocultural landscape, echoing the sentiments of Mulderrig (2017) in her corpus-based critical discourse analysis of social actors in New Labour's education policy.

Moreover, the study of the farewell speech must take into account the broader context of President Buhari's political career and the issues faced by Nigeria during his tenure. The works of Seidel (2015) in political discourse analysis and O'Halloran (2016) in English Grammar in Context can provide theoretical underpinnings to understand how language is utilized as a tool of power and influence in political communication.

As we delve into the pragmatic analysis, insights from the study by Sarcaceni (2021) on the linguistic power in political discourse, specifically in the case of Dr. Blair and Mr. Bush, may illuminate how certain linguistic choices in President Buhari's farewell speech contribute to the construction of political identity. This analysis can draw parallels between the linguistic strategies employed by leaders globally, enhancing the generalizability of the findings.

To evaluate the effectiveness of President Buhari's farewell speech in achieving its communicative goals and influencing public perception, it is crucial to consider the audience's reception. Triandis's research on individualism and collectivism (2015) and Van Dijk's insights into political discourse and ideology (2017b) become pertinent. Understanding how the speech resonates with the collective values and beliefs of the Nigerian society is essential for gauging its impact.

In conclusion, the pragmatic analysis of President Buhari's farewell speech requires a comprehensive exploration of linguistic choices, illocutionary acts, and contextual influences. Building on the methodologies employed in the critical discourse analyses of political speeches in different contexts, this study aims to uncover the implicit meanings and strategic language use embedded in the discourse. By shedding light on the president's communicative intentions and potential impact on the audience, the analysis contributes to a deeper understanding of the complex interplay between language, politics, and society in Nigeria.

1.2. Statement of the Problem

The study of President Buhari's farewell speech is prompted by a critical gap in the existing research landscape concerning the pragmatic dimensions of political discourse, particularly in the context of presidential farewell speeches. While political speeches are often scrutinized for their content and rhetorical strategies, there is a limited exploration of the underlying pragmatic elements that shape the interpretation and impact of such speeches.

Drawing on the insights of Mohammadi and Javadi (2017) in their critical discourse analysis of Donald Trump's language use during the 2016 US presidential campaign, the problem addressed by this study lies in the oversight of pragmatic considerations in the analysis of political speeches. Pragmatics, as a subfield of linguistics, focuses on language use in context, considering the influence of context on meaning. Therefore, the failure to recognize and interpret pragmatic elements may result in a superficial understanding of the farewell speech, hindering a comprehensive assessment of its communicative effectiveness.

Furthermore, the significance of President Buhari's farewell speech as a historical document necessitates a nuanced examination of its pragmatic dimensions. While studies, such as those by Sharififar and Rahimi (2014) on critical discourse analysis of political speeches and Mulderrig's (2017) corpus-based analysis of social actors in policy discourse, offer valuable insights, there is a distinct lack of research applying similar methodologies to farewell speeches of political leaders.

The sociopolitical context of Nigeria, characterized by linguistic diversity and complex sociocultural dynamics, adds another layer of complexity to the analysis. The works of Mix (2018) on the United Kingdom's background and Seidel (2015) on political discourse emphasize the importance of considering contextual factors in understanding political communication. The problem is, therefore, a gap in the exploration of how the sociocultural landscape influences the pragmatic choices made in President Buhari's farewell speech.

In essence, this study seeks to address the deficiency in pragmatic analyses of political speeches, specifically focusing on the farewell genre and considering the intricate sociocultural context of Nigeria. By doing so, it aims to uncover the implicit meanings, illocutionary acts, and strategic language use within President Buhari's farewell speech, contributing to a more holistic understanding of the complexities inherent in political communication.

1.3. Purpose of the Study

The primary purpose of this study is to conduct a pragmatic analysis of President Buhari's farewell speech to uncover the implicit meanings, illocutionary acts, and communicative strategies employed in the discourse. The specific objectives of the study are as follows:

1.3.1. To identify and analyze the illocutionary acts embedded in President Buhari's farewell speech.

1.3.2. To examine the use of presupposition and implicature in the speech, uncovering hidden meanings and assumptions.

1.3.3. To explore the role of context in shaping the interpretation of key messages within the farewell speech.

1.3.4. To assess the overall effectiveness of the speech in achieving its communicative goals and influencing public perception.

1.4. Relevance of the Study

An in-depth exploration of the pragmatic dimensions within political discourse holds significant implications for a diverse audience, spanning scholars, policymakers, and the general public. This study serves as a valuable contribution to the existing body of knowledge by undertaking a nuanced analysis of President Buhari's farewell speech, offering an enriched perspective on the intricacies of political communication within the Nigerian context. The findings of this research extend beyond national borders, holding potential implications for the global analysis of political speeches. By unraveling the layers of meaning, illocutionary acts, and strategic language use in the farewell speech, the study provides insights into the intricate interplay between language, context, and power in the realm of politics.

Moreover, the study acknowledges the practical applications of its findings, aiming to empower communication professionals, political analysts, and citizens with the analytical tools necessary for critical assessments of political discourse. In an era where information dissemination plays a pivotal role in shaping public opinion, the study seeks to cultivate a more informed and discerning public sphere. By providing these stakeholders with the means to scrutinize political communication through a pragmatic lens, the research strives to enhance the overall quality of public discourse.

In essence, the significance of this study transcends academic boundaries, offering valuable insights that stretch beyond the specific farewell speech of President Buhari. It acts as a beacon, shedding light on the broader dynamics of political communication, fostering a global understanding of how language operates within the intricate framework of political power. As such, the research not only enriches scholarly discourse but also endeavors to contribute to a more enlightened and critically engaged citizenry on matters of political importance.