LANGUAGE AND POLITICS: A CASE OF LANGUAGE ABUSE IN NIGERIAN DEMOCRACY

Abstract

Language is an important instrument in politics; it is used both as an instrument for mobilization and means of governance. In Nigeria, over the years, it has been noted that language has often been abused by political leaders to mislead and manipulate the citizens. This paper examines language and politics: A case study of language abuse in Nigerian democracy. With the use of Critical Discourse Analysis, the paper investigates how political language is abused during public discourse and governance to achieve selfish political ambition rather than national development. It examines the use of propaganda and empty promises as forms of linguistic manipulation in Nigerian politics since the inception of democracy. Using content analysis of media report, political speeches, media posts, the paper reveals that language abuse has contributed to ethnic tension, political violence, lack of trust in the democratic institutions.  In addition, the multilingual and multicultural nature of the nation make it vulnerable to linguistic abuse for political gains. The paper concludes that for Nigerian democracy to thrive, there is need for language policy reforms, political education, media literacy and enforcement of laws against language abuse. The responsible use of language is essential for consolidating democracy and promotion of unity