Cite this article as: Eburafa, E. F. (2026). Critical pragmatic investigation of impoliteness strategies in Nigerian online news commentary: Sociocultural dynamics, digital linguistic pragmatics, and discursive power relations. Sokoto Journal of Linguistics and Communication Studies (SOJOLICS), 2(1), 270-282. https://doi.org/10.36349/sojolics.2026.v02i01.024
By
Eburafa,
Ezra Fidelis
Department of Languages and Literary Studies,
School of Education and Humanities Babcock University,
Ilishan
Remo Ogun State, Nigeria.
Abstract
Impoliteness
in online discourse is an issue growing with every passing day due to
increasing online activities through social media and news websites. The paper
discusses impoliteness strategies that are being adopted in the context of
online news threads in Nigeria, drawing on selected online articles on Sahara
Reporters, The Dailytimes, and The Punch. Using Culpeper's Theory of
Impoliteness, the research explores the forms, types, and linguistic strategies
of impoliteness in 12 user comments sampled from these platforms. Findings show
that face-threatening acts such as insults, sarcasm, and name-calling are
predominant, which the anonymity and immediacy of online platforms further worsen.
The paper is a call to impoliteness and civil discourse, and it outlines the
strategies that can enhance responsible communication in Nigeria's digital
public sphere.
Keywords: Impoliteness strategies, Nigerian online discourse, pragmatics,
critical discourse analysis, and sociocultural dynamics.
1.0 Introduction
The
internet, as a tool of communication in this digital age, is a platform where
opinions can be expressed, issues debated, and discussions held in the public
sphere. Online news platforms have become one of the most important arenas for
such interactions, especially in Nigeria, where the internet is increasingly
used to access information and participate in discussions on social, political,
and cultural matters. The internet has revolutionized journalism, according to
Chike (2016), because it allows people to access and engage with news from the
comfort of their homes. This has brought more people to participate in
important discussions that transcend the barriers of place and time.
However,
while the internet has promoted communication, it has also given birth to the
challenges that come with the use of impoliteness and verbal aggression within
online interactions. According to Culpeper (1996), impoliteness can be defined
as an aspect of language use that is intentionally offensive or confrontative,
which often infringes on social conventions and upsets the social equilibrium
among individuals. In face-to-face communication, societal norms and the
immediacy of physical presence often temper behavior in a way that fosters
politeness and respect. However, the dynamics of online platforms-characterized
by anonymity, lack of immediate consequences, and the disinhibition
effect-promote behaviors that deviate from traditional norms of politeness.
According to Zhao et al. (2022), this is evidenced in the following: In
Nigeria, online news comment sections have become important spaces where
opinions are expressed on various national issues, including politics,
religion, and social justice. Platforms like Sahara Reporters, The Dailytimes,
and The Punch create a melting pot of diverse audiences, perspectives, and
opinions. This diversity, though enriching, has led to frequent clashes
characterized by impoliteness, insults, and personal attacks among users. Taiwo
et al. (2021) noted that verbal aggression and impoliteness are common in
online political forums in Nigeria, reflecting the tensions and divisions in
society.
Impoliteness
in online discourse is not an invention of Nigerians. Flaming, cyberbullying,
and trolling have been common features of CMC across the world. Crystal (2006)
writes that anonymity online enables users to be more outspoken, as there is
less fear of any repercussions. This anonymity, while empowering, also fosters
negative behaviors, as users feel less accountable for their words (Arisanty
& Wiradharma, 2022). These behaviors are further exacerbated within the
Nigerian context by sociopolitical tensions, ethnic divides, and highly emotive
public discourses around contentious issues. According to Ajayi & Bamgbose
(2019), from a pragmatic point of view, impoliteness has become an area of
great interest because it highlights the means through which language is used
to exert power, indicate dissatisfaction, or challenge norms in society.
Culpeper’s (2011) Theory of Impoliteness provides a framework for understanding
these dynamics, categorising impolite behaviours into strategies such as direct
insults, sarcasm, and withholding politeness. In online discourse, these
strategies are often employed to provoke, dominate, or ridicule others,
contributing to a hostile communication environment (Blitvich, 2024).
Despite
the growing body of research into online communication, a gap remains in the
literature with regard to how impoliteness manifests within specific cultural
and social contexts, such as within Nigerian online news threads. Though some
aspects of politeness and impoliteness have been researched within Nigerian
digital discourse, for example Oyebade (2018) and Taiwo et al. (2021), the
particular linguistic strategies in impolite interactions remain poorly
focussed. This gap is significant given the role of online platforms in shaping
public opinion and fostering societal dialogue.
In view
of this, the paper tries to fill this gap by investigating impoliteness
strategies in Nigerian online news comment sections. In a study targeting
users' interactions on Sahara Reporters, The Dailytimes, and The Punch, the
research will attempt a critical analysis of the forms, functions, and
implications of impoliteness in Nigeria's digital public sphere. Through this
investigation, this study contributes to the larger knowledge of digital
discourse and its impact on societal cohesion and communication norms.
2.0 Literature
Review
2.1 Pragmatics
and Impoliteness
Pragmatics
is the study of how meaning is conveyed and interpreted in context, often
beyond the literal interpretation of words (Yule, 1996). According to Culpeper
(1996), impoliteness is violation of expected social norms; this usually occurs
when the speaker's intentions go against the listener's expectations.
Locher
and Bousfield (2008) contend that impoliteness is a situation of use wherein
the meaning can only be determined by taking into account cultural and
situational variables.
2.2 Impoliteness
in CMC
The
features of anonymity, asynchronicity, and an absence of non-verbal signals in
computer-mediated communication impact massively on the execution of
communication. As Crystal (2006) pointed out, the anonymity of CMC sites often
lowers social inhibitions and frees users to air their opinions.
Other
recent studies have also opened up the dynamics of impoliteness in CMC by
pointing to some distinctive features. For example, Zhao et al. (2022) point
out that anonymity not only promotes impoliteness but also increases its
intensity because users feel themselves far away from the consequences of what
they utter. Along similar lines, Blitvich (2024) argues that in CMC,
impoliteness is usually performed as a strategic function to attract attention,
claim precedence over others, or counter the established hierarchy.
2.3 Online
Discourse in Nigeria
Taiwo et
al. (2021) note that impoliteness seems to be a frequent characteristic of
Nigerian online political discussions, with the intent of dominance or
challenging the opposing view.
The
prevalence of impoliteness in Nigerian online discourse is influenced by
cultural and contextual factors. Oyebade (2018) notes that the anonymity and
immediacy of online platforms amplify existing societal tensions, making users
more likely to engage in confrontational behaviour.
Despite
the growing body of literature on impoliteness and online discourse, specific
aspects remain underexplored. For instance, much of the existing research has
been conducted in Western contexts, with limited attention to cultural
variations in impoliteness strategies (Locher & Watts, 2008). While some
studies on impoliteness in digital interactions, such as Taiwo et al. (2021)
and Oyebade (2018), have been done in Nigeria, none has engaged in a close
analysis of the linguistic strategies that underpin the phenomenon. This is important
given the role of language in shaping public discourse and, by implication,
social cohesion.
2.4 Theoretical
Framework
This
research adopts Culpeper's Theory of Impoliteness, which categorizes impolite
acts into:
1.
Bald-on Record Impoliteness: Directly offensive acts.
2.
Positive Impoliteness: Attacks on self-image, for example, insults.
3.
Negative Impoliteness: Threats or impositions on personal space.
4.
Sarcasm/Mock Politeness: Insincerity masked as politeness.
5.
Withholding Politeness: Failure to show expected courtesy.
This
framework allows for a systematic analysis of impoliteness in the digital
context.
3.0 Methodology
A
descriptive approach is employed in the investigation of impoliteness
strategies. Three prominent Nigerian newspapers, namely Sahara Reporters,
Dailytimes, and The Punch, are selected from Instagram platforms for their
extensive online engagement.
3.1 Sampling
Technique
The paper
selects 3 articles, 1 from each of three leading Nigerian newspapers, Sahara
Reporters, The Dailytimes, and The Punch to investigate the dynamics of
impoliteness in online news comment sections. Four comments are sampled from
each article, totaling 12 comments for analysis. This structured sampling is to
ensure a balance of different platforms and their diverse readership.
The
selection focuses on contentious topics, like politics, governance, and social
matters, which are likely to generate impolite discourse.
3.2 Data
Collection
Data is
gathered by screenshots of comments over the period September to December 2024.
Ethical considerations involve anonymizing the identity of users. The following
are the steps the study adopted for the data collection:
4.0 Data
Analysis
4.1 The
Punch
Headline
1
Using the
impoliteness framework from Culpeper (1996, 2011), the study analyse the four
comments under the headline "Do You Support The Bill Seeking To Arm The
Federal Road Safety Corps?". The analysis identifies the impoliteness
strategies employed, their linguistic features, and the broader implications
for digital discourse.
Comment 1: “God forbid”
- Impoliteness
Strategy: Bald-on-Record
This
comment directly rejects the proposition without any effort to mitigate the
impact. It uses a definitive, dismissive phrase that signals absolute
opposition.
Linguistic
Features:
Emotionally
Charged: The phrase conveys strong disapproval and invokes moral or religious
undertones to emphasise the severity of the rejection.
Conciseness: The brevity of the comment intensifies its confrontational tone.
Broader
Implications:
This
reflects a lack of engagement with the substance of the discussion. It
represents an emotionally charged, reactionary response, common in online
discourse when dealing with contentious issues.
Comment 2: “Wetin dem wan use arm do?”
- Impoliteness
Strategy: Sarcasm and Mock Politeness
The
comment employs a rhetorical question to undermine the proposal, implying that
arming FRSC officers is unnecessary or absurd.
Linguistic
Features:
Use of
Pidgin English: This makes the statement relatable to a Nigerian audience,
reinforcing cultural identity while ridiculing the idea.
Mocking
Tone: The rhetorical structure
suggests disbelief and ridicule.
Broader
Implications:
This
demonstrates the audience’s scepticism toward governance and policy decisions.
The use of sarcasm serves to delegitimise the policy in the eyes of other
readers.
Comment 3: “The question should be what do FRSC need guns for?
Giving FRSC guns means death of innocent road users.”
- Impoliteness
Strategy: Negative Impoliteness
The
comment threatens the reputation and functionality of FRSC by associating their
proposed arming with harm to the public.
Linguistic
Features:
Direct
Accusation: Suggesting that arming FRSC would result in fatalities escalates
the severity of the comment.
Presupposition: The statement assumes incompetence and danger as outcomes
without justification, which is inherently face-threatening.
Broader
Implications:
This
evokes public lack of faith in FRSC's good judgment to responsibly use the
guns. This reflects much wider concerns regarding governance and institutional
competence and the ramifications of policy decisions.
Comment 4:"No, scrap and merge with police."
- Impoliteness
Strategy: Bald-on-Record and Sarcasm
This is
in direct opposition to the idea, and also sarcastic, suggesting FRSC can find
another purpose by becoming redundant, merged with the police.
Features:
1.
Dismissive Tone - the term "scrap" discards the worth of this very
institution.
2.
Sarcastic Undermining: The suggestion to merge with the police mocks the FRSC's
independence and capability.
Broader
Implications:
This
comment is indicative of a lack of confidence in the FRSC's function and a
belief that this is a wasteful proposal. It has underlined frustrations about
overlapping bureaucracies.
Theoretical
Insights and Broader Discussion
1.
Strategies of Impoliteness Employed:
- Bald-on-Record
Impoliteness: "God forbid", "No, scrap and merge with
police" show no attempt at mitigation of offence and thus appear
confrontational.
- Sarcasm
and Mock Politeness: "Wetin dem wan use arm do?" is employed to
ridicule the proposal subtly.
Negative
Impoliteness: "Giving FRSC guns means death of innocent road users"
constitutes an attack on the credibility of FRSC.
2.
Linguistic Features:
- The use
of Pidgin English in "Wetin dem wan use arm do?" establishes cultural
resonance, making the criticism more accessible and relatable to the audience.
- Rhetorical
questions and sarcasm are used both to engage and antagonise readers, showing
how public discourse is emotionally charged.
3.
Implications for Digital Discourse:
- Emotional
Reactions: Comments reflect strong emotional reactions driven by skepticism of
governance and institutional competency.
- Polarization:
Rude comments increase polarization and reduce the potential for constructive
dialogue.
- Cultural
Nuances: The use of Pidgin English indicates how cultural identity affects the
tone and approach to online discourse in Nigeria.
4.1.2 Sahara
Reporters
Headline
1
For the
headline: "Sowore Hits Back At EFCC, Says Commission Is A Disgrace For
Hiding Identity Of Godwin Emefiele As Owner Of Forfeited 753 Duplexes In Abuja
Estate," the impolite comments are analysed using Culpeper’s (1996, 2011)
impoliteness strategies. This involves identifying face-threatening acts
(FTAs), rhetorical elements, and the broader societal implications.
Comment 1: "Nigeria will not disappoint with a show of
shame."
- Impoliteness
Strategy: Sarcasm
The
comment is an irony to the perceived ineptitude and corruption within the
systems of Nigeria. The phrase "show of shame" is a display of
disgust towards the frequent disgracing controversies that happen in that
country.
Linguistic
Features:
Sarcastic
Phrase: "Will not disappoint" is a mocking tone meant to imply that
public disgraces are expected from the nation.
Cultural
Resonance: Expression shows shared
societal disillusionments, often communicated through informal exaggerations.
Broader
Implications:
This
comment generalizes the systemic issues in Nigeria, evidencing lack of trust in
governance and public institutions. Sarcasm is the means through which the
collective frustration is let out.
Comment 2: "So called EFCC are even writing to attack Sowore, What
type of country is this."
Impoliteness
Strategy: Bald-on-Record
Impoliteness
This
comment directly condemns the EFCC and questions its actions without using any
moderation for its confrontational tone.
Linguistic
Features:
- Dismissive
Language: "So called EFCC" demeans the legitimacy of the commission.
- Rhetorical
Question: "What kind of country is this?" echoes dissatisfaction and
disbelief.
Broader
Implications:
This
comment shows public frustration with institutions perceived as prioritizing
vendettas over justice. This also underlines the view that governance in
Nigeria is often ineffective or biased.
Comment 3:"And the Leader of EFCC is a pastor. Okan gbogbo won oni
bale. And Yahya Bello is walking freely."
- Impoliteness
Strategy: Negative Impoliteness
The
comment attacks the credibility of the EFCC leader by pitting his religious
status against perceived moral failings. It also gives an example of how
justice was perceived to be selectively used, using Yahya Bello as an example.
Linguistic
Features:
- Cultural
Reference: The Yoruba expression "Okan gbogbo won oni bale" adds
weight to the critique by implying the institution lacks moral stability.
- Contrasts:
The positioning of the EFCC leader as a pastor while accusing him of bias
amplifies the perceived hypocrisy.
Broader
Implications:
The
comment underlines public discontent with selective justice and perceived
hypocrisy within leadership. It reflects societal frustration with how moral
and religious positions are used to mask systemic failures.
Comment 4:"Where those houses built within Abuja without clearance
where those duplexes developed under three years where everyone was
particularly the government officials but everyone kept mute wishing and
waiting for his or her to hit it the compromised unloving corrupt country if it
is true as you allege where was Sahara reporter he wanted to be
president."
- Impoliteness
Strategy: Bald-on-Record Impoliteness and Sarcasm
This long
comment is full of open criticism against any government official or
institution as being complicit in, or negligent about, the presumed corruption
case.
Linguistic
Features:
- An
accusatory tone: that questions the integrity and responsibility of officials
involved.
- Conflation
- bringing in Sahara Reporter's proprietor, Sowore and his political ambition
adds layers of personal attack.
Broader
Implications:
This
comment insinuates general failure in governance and public accountability,
reflecting suspicion both with regard to investigative journalism and against
political ambitions.
1.
Impoliteness Strategies in Use:
- Sarcasm:
Comments like "Nigeria will not disappoint with a show of shame" use
sarcasm to ridicule systemic inefficiencies, indirectly critiquing governance.
- Bald-on-Record
Impoliteness: Statements like "So called EFCC" and direct accusations
employ unmitigated confrontational language to highlight frustration with
institutional failures.
- Negative
Impoliteness: Personal critiques, such as questioning the EFCC leader's status
as a pastor, are face-threatening acts designed to attack credibility.
2.
Linguistic Features:
The
comments use culturally resonant expressions, such as Yoruba phrases and
colloquialisms, to increase relatability and heighten criticism.
Hyperbolic
and rhetorical elements heighten public discontent to represent collective
disillusionment.
3.
Implications for Public Discourse:
- Erosion
of Trust: The impoliteness evident in these comments underlines a deep-seated
feeling of distrust in governance, law enforcement, and even the media.
- Public
Anger: The tone and substance of the comments would tend to indicate that the
public considers corruption and selective justice to be the order of the day.
• Cultural
Context: Local languages used in references to society norms of life point
to cultural identity that informs and influences online discourses in Nigeria.
From
this headline, it can be noticed how comments apply the aspects laid out in
Culpeper's Impoliteness Theory as indicative that in Nigerian public
discourses, people's distrusted reactions towards system failure events
predominate. In these public spheres in Nigeria, impoliteness strategies-such
as sarcasm, on-record impoliteness with mitigation-but primarily negative
impoliteness end. The interplay of cultural references and rhetorical devices
amplifies the critiques, making them both relatable and confrontational. These
findings underpin the necessity for systemic reforms and strategic
communication in rebuilding public trust and encouraging constructive dialogue.
4.1.3 DailyTimes
Headline
1
The
comments under the headline “Former Central Bank Governor, Godwin Emefiele has
been accused of being the owner of a 753 duplex estate seized by the Economic
and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC” are analysed using Culpeper’s
Impoliteness Theory to identify strategies, linguistic features, and
implications.
Comment 1: “Can you imagine? What a joke”
Impoliteness
Strategy: Sarcasm and Mock Politeness
The
comment employs sarcasm to trivialise and ridicule the situation, indicating
disbelief and contempt toward the allegations.
Linguistic
Features:
Rhetorical
Question: "Can you imagine?" invites the audience to share the
commenter’s disbelief.
Dismissive
Tone: "What a joke"
minimises the gravity of the allegation, portraying it as absurd.
Broader
Implications:
The
comment reflects public scepticism about the accountability of high-ranking
officials.
It
suggests disillusionment with the seriousness of corruption cases in Nigeria.
Comment 2: “A humble resignation would have saved you all this mess, but
choose to fight for some persons using change of naira”
Impoliteness
Strategy: Negative Impoliteness
The
comment accuses Emefiele of poor judgment, framing his decisions as directly
responsible for his predicament.
Linguistic
Features:
Conditional
Statement: "Would have saved you" insinuates blame while appearing
advisory.
Cynicism: The phrase “fight for some persons” hints at ulterior motives or
political alliances.
Broader
Implications:
The
comment critiques not just the individual but also the broader policy
decisions, such as the naira redesign.
It
reflects a belief that public officials prioritise personal or political
interests over national welfare.
Comment 3: “Leave politicians and use 24 hours to fear civil servants and
appointees”
Impoliteness
Strategy: Sarcasm and Bald-on-Record Impoliteness
The
comment bluntly asserts that civil servants are more dangerous or corrupt than
politicians, implying deep-seated systemic rot.
Linguistic
Features:
Hyperbole: "Use 24 hours to fear" exaggerates the threat posed by
civil servants.
Generalisation:
The statement lumps all civil servants and appointees together, intensifying
its accusatory tone.
Broader
Implications:
The
comment underscores a perception of pervasive corruption in the civil service.
It shifts
the focus from politicians to bureaucratic actors, broadening the critique of
systemic failures.
Comment 4: “EFCC too is corrupt for covering up the name of the person
involved”
Impoliteness
Strategy: Bald-on-Record and Negative Impoliteness
The
comment directly accuses the EFCC of corruption, attacking its integrity and
undermining its credibility.
Linguistic
Features:
Direct
Accusation: The use of "too" implies that corruption is ubiquitous,
extending even to anti-corruption agencies.
Blame
Shifting: The statement places partial responsibility for the issue on EFCC’s
alleged cover-up.
Broader
Implications:
This
reflects public distrust in institutions tasked with fighting corruption.
It
suggests that transparency and accountability are critical issues within
Nigeria’s anti-corruption framework.
Theoretical
Insights and Broader Discussion
1. Impoliteness
Strategies in Use:
Bald-on-Record
Impoliteness: Evident in comments like “EFCC too is corrupt,” which make
direct, unmitigated accusations.
Sarcasm
and Mock Politeness: Comments such as “What a
joke” ridicule the situation, reflecting frustration.
Negative
Impoliteness: Seen in “A humble
resignation would have saved you all this mess,” where the commenter critiques
Emefiele’s decisions while implying incompetence.
2. Linguistic
Features:
Rhetorical
Questions and Hyperbole: These devices amplify criticism and express the
commenter’s disbelief or outrage.
Conversational
Tone: Informal phrasing makes
the comments accessible and relatable, engaging a wider audience.
3. Implications
for Digital Discourse:
Distrust
in Leadership: The comments demonstrate
widespread scepticism about public officials’ integrity.
Erosion
of Institutional Credibility: Accusations against the EFCC highlight the
public’s disillusionment with anti-corruption agencies.
Systemic
Critique: The comments shift focus
from individual actions to broader systemic issues, such as institutional
corruption and governance failures.
The
impolite comments show frustration and deep distrust towards the leadership and
institutions of Nigeria. Sarcasm, direct accusations, and rhetoric also
underpin the alienation of the public towards the question of accountability in
governance. The above points bring out that online discussions have often
become a forum to vent the feelings of the citizenry about
5.0 Discussion
of findings
The
analysis of impolite comments across the selected articles shows evidence of
highly emotive reactions and ignescent scepticism towards governance, mirroring
wider social frustrations. This high level of impoliteness testifies that
digital platforms increasingly become avenues for expressing public discontent
rather than channels for constructive debate.
These
findings point toward the fact that the discourse online in Nigeria is informed
by the cultural background, Pidgin English being used, hyperbolic expressions,
and rhetorical questions as ways through which Nigerians express dissent. Such
forms of expression make one relatable, but at most times devoid of the
constructive tone that accommodates meaningful dialogue. This has broader
implications for the usage of digital platforms as an instrument of
communication, at the expense of emotional ventilation and solution-driven
discussions. This follows the application of Culpeper's Impoliteness Theory, in
which strategies like bald-on-record impoliteness, sarcasm, and negative
impoliteness dominate the Nigerian online discourse. The findings underline the
necessity for respectful dialogue and the restoration of confidence in
institutions.
This
trend of incivility needs to be matched with a strategy focused on increasing
institutional accountability, creating awareness among the public on digital
etiquette, and ensuring openness in communication by the leadership. Without
such interventions, the digital public sphere risks becoming increasingly
polarized and counterproductive to societal cohesion. Summary The analysis of
impolite comments from Nigerian online news articles reveals a clear trend in
public dissatisfaction with governance, economic policies, and law enforcement.
According
to Culpeper's Impoliteness Theory, these findings indicate that impoliteness
constitutes an important characteristic of digital discourse and reflect
frustration, distrust, and a desire to critique or mock leadership decisions.
Overall,
data reveal how Nigeria's digital space represents public expression, but the
same can also be representative of how much the structured dialogues cultivate
respect and accountability. If this lack of consideration continues without
changes, it may further polarize the public and destroy the effect of online
discussions.
Clearly,
such issues can be taken care of not only through changes in governance but by
encouraging civic education and ensuring better online etiquette so that
digital spaces contribute to positive societal development.
5.1 Conclusion
A study
on impolite comments within Nigerian online discourse showed a general feeling
of frustration in governance, economic policies, and public institutions. The
public discourses have been filled with sarcasm, bald-on-record criticism, and
hyperbole as strategies of impoliteness that show the deeper problems in
society: a feeling of lack of trust in the leadership and perceived
inefficiency of public institutions.
All the
efforts toward transparent governance, civic education, and digital etiquette
should be addressed in concert with the institutional reforms required to
restore the public trust.
By
facilitating inclusive discussion and moderating online communities, it could
contribute to public conversations that are respectful and constructive, thus
reflecting on a healthy and productive society.
5.2 Recommendations
To reduce
impoliteness in Nigerian online discourse, there are several measures that
could be taken. First is the need for transparent governance and communication.
For instance, political leaders should clearly explain why certain policies
have been proposed or implemented, such as the proposal to arm the FRSC or the
removal of fuel subsidy, to lessen public frustration and mistrust (Taiwo et
al., 2021). Besides, the development of digital literacy and civic education
may help to fill this gap and thus create a space for respectful and
constructive discussion of the issues (Zhao et al., 2022). Educating people on
digital etiquette would bring more healthy conversations online. Other
important measures include moderation on online platforms; they should make
rules that prevent offending languages without limiting free expression. It
means balancing accountability and free speech (Blitvich, 2024).
Lastly,
institutional reforms will address corruption and inefficiency concerns in law
enforcement agencies and other government agencies. By improving these systems
and ensuring accountability, public trust can be restored, reducing the sources
of impoliteness (Oyebade, 2018). Furthermore, promoting inclusive dialogue is
essential for reducing political polarization. Programs that encourage
communication across political divides can help foster empathy and
understanding, making it easier for people to discuss sensitive issues without
resorting to hostility (Fairclough, 1995). These will cumulatively help in
bringing about a more constructive and respectful public discourse, thereby
lessening the intensity of impolite interactions and making for a more
collaborative societal environment.
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