Cite this article as: Hammangabdo, E. A., & Faith, A. O. (2026). Lexico-semantic analysis of President Bola Ahmad Tinubu’s inaugural speech on 29th May 2023. Sokoto Journal of Linguistics and Communication Studies (SOJOLICS), 2(1), 406-422. https://doi.org/10.36349/sojolics.2026.v02i01.034
By
Ezekiel Augustine Hammangabdo,
PhD.
Department of English and
Literary Studies
Taraba State University Jalingo
Ezekielaugustine2019@gmail.com
08135401091
&
Ammeh Ojochokobimi Faith (Mrs.)
FRCN
ammehfaith@gmail.com
07037758841
Abstract
The research is a
lexico-semantic analysis of the inaugural speech of president Asiwaju Bola
Ahmed Tinibu. A simple random sampling technique was adopted for the studyand
Componential Analysis in order to look at the features of every lexeme in
analyzing the speech. The researchers hinged the study on Jose Trier’sLexical Field Theory and SemanticField(1931) as it theoretical model. The result shows
that the semantic features employed in the speech significantly impact its
effectiveness and persuasive power. They help to shape the audience's
perception, evoke specific emotional responses, establish credibility, and
enhance the persuasive impact of the speech. Thelexico-semantic features
employed in the speech are proficiently and manipulatively used to shape the
audience's perception and generate a specific response. They range from
positive and impactful language to emotive language, expert vocabulary, and
figurative expressions. By carefully choosing words and crafting these
linguistic features. The speech aims to appeal to the audience's emotions,
establish credibility, and persuade them to support the speaker's vision and
goals.
Keywords: Semantic, lexemes, lexical semantic, speech, Inaugural
Speech
1.0 Introduction
Semantics deal with meaning. At the
lexico-semantic level, one looks at the lexical choices made by a writer or
speaker. Here, words can be chosen for their denotative, connotative and other
dimensions of meanings. Look at this line: “But tomorrow cannot be consoled.” The
above line is taken from Yeibo’sMaiden Lines. Syntactically, i.e.,
in terms of grammar, the line is normal. The sentence begins with ‘but’, giving
the assumption that it contrasts with the idea that precedes it. But if one
looks at the sentence semantically, “tomorrow” is not an animate thing that can
be consoled; it is only humans that can be “consoled” or not consoled. Making
“tomorrow” to go with “consoled” creates some effect at this level.
Basically, Lexico-Semantic level is
the study of the meaning of words either connotative or denotative such as
diction, choice of words and figures of speech. In this context, Leech (150)
and Lyons (155), studied the meaning
of words, phrases, sentences and their diverse types differentiating
conceptual, connotative, emotive and other meanings. For Leech, there are
different types of meaning as associative and conceptual meaning. This type of
meaning is related to the dictionary definition of a word, or the exact
meaning. Leech defines conceptual meaning as “the widely assumed to be the
central factor in linguistic communication…” Leech (150).
The inaugural speech of Asiwaju
Bola Ahmed Tinubu is expected to show his personal political ideologies and his
views of building a better Nigeria both now and the future perspective. By also
examining the rhetorical strategies employed by the speaker, the effect that
persuasion and manipulation can have on the audience will also be shown.
Unequivocally, this study is based on questions such as: “what are the kinds of
strategies employed by these political intellects to sway their audience and
engage in power struggle; how are power and identity displayed through the use
of emotive lexis and syntax, and personal deixis; and how are political
ideologies constructed, articulated and redefined by linguistic resources; and
what is the nature of the procedural frameworks that vividly show the
sociolinguistic generalisations of arrangement and uniqueness in relations to
their linguistic forms?” To answer the question above, the researcher intends
to study the Lexico-semantic analysis of the inaugural speech of president Bola
Ahmed Tinubu to justify the relationship between the lexical items and what
they signified.
1.1 Empirical Study
There are many studies conducted by
different exponents on the lexico-Semantic analysis of political speeches.
Ayeomoni, (204) stated that politicians have a systemic and coherent way of
using language to convey their political views. That “in some contexts,
politicians may resort to using figurative or metaphorical language. They adopt
this style when they intend to convey their intentions or message convincingly
so that the impression being given could be printed and lasting in the minds of
their listeners. It is also a language strategy used to arouse the feelings and
collective excitement and sentiments of their followers and also to sustain
their support and fellowship”. In elucidating on the concepts ‘language and
politics’, Awonuga (188) stated that one aspect of Chief ObafemiAwolowo’s
speech which one notices fairly quickly when reading his writings is the use of
language which he makes of legal terms and expressions; and that ‘coupling’ is
another feature of Awolowo’s language. To him, “coupling is the practice of
using two words linked by the conjunctive word ‘and’ in places where one word
would have been adequate”.
In explaining the way creative
resources of language are employed in political speaking, Oyeleke (204) said
that “ancient rhetoricians used to distinguish between three stages in
rhetoric. The first was known as the ‘inventio’ (which is the finding or discovery),
the second was the ‘dispositio’ (which is the arranging, structuring, or
plotting), and the third was the ‘elocutio’ (which is the style). The first
stage is known to everybody because everyone has some message or information to
pass across before speaking. Once we have this message, the next stage is to
decide on how to arrange, structure or plot this message which we want to pass
across. And after this we can then choose the style in which to present the
information”.
In a study conducted to analyse the
language that the political elite use while discussing and conducting the
business of politics, Ayeomoni (204) also concluded that “it is obvious from
the analyses of the political speeches that the language of the political elite
in Nigeria is more often than not exhibiting some unique features which renders
it a variety of language”.
vanDijk (198) clarified the notion
of political discourse. According to him, “first of all, political discourse
will be primarily about politics, again as defined above. That is, we may
typically expect overall meanings related to political systems, ideologies,
institutions, the political process, political actors, and political events. In
other words, much political discourse is reflexive. This is not quite trivial,
because this reflexivity is not typical for educational, scholarly, or legal
discourse. Thus, campaigning politicians will speak about themselves as
candidates, about the elections, about voting for them, and the policies they
promise to support when elected. They speak about opponents and political
enemies and about the bad politics and policies of previous presidents,
governments or parliaments, for dissidents and those who challenge political
power.
More officially, governments or
parliaments also refer to their own policies and political actions in decision
making discourse”. Larswell (165) concluded with this statement, “like in
magic too, the smallest portion of truth is interwoven with falsehood of every
shade of plausibility made possible by the use of language”. This shows that
messages are at times passed on in a manipulative and persuasive way, and may
be intertwined with some modified truth or even total lies. Mazrui (175) in
Bayode (210) stressed that “language is a vehicular expression of politics and
a major tool in political behaviour”. We cannot, therefore, doubt the fact that
language and politics are correlated.
According to Gastil (193),
“politics and discourse are inextricably intertwined. Political interaction
requires language structures, and linguistic behaviour necessarily involves
structures of domination and legitimation. In this sense, all discourse is political;
however, political discourse occurs when political actors, in and out of
government, communicate about political matters, for political purposes”.
Gastil (193) further stated that “political talk plays a vital role in shaping
and transforming social reality, and as the interest of the world has recently
turned toward democracy, discourse analysts might do well to make explicit the
connections between their research and the pursuit of the democratic ideal.”
Despite all the research conducted by many experts on the related topic, there
is none on the inaugural speech of Mr. President at the eagle square. Hence the
need for this study.
2.0 Research Methodology
A qualitative research method was
adopted by the researcher where emphasis was placed on the speech. A simple
random sampling method was adopted for the study. Therefore, qualitative method
was used to describe the lexico-semantic variations gathered and to explain
their psycho-sociolinguistic underpinnings. The data were collected through the
secondary means where the researcher downloaded the speech from the Google play
store before analyzing the data. The researcher used the lexical theory in the
first phase of the analysis then, the semantic theory of Truth
Conditional Semantic to ascertain the validity of the matters pointed
out by the president. Finally,
3.0 Theoretical Framework
The research adopts the Jose Trier’s LexicalField
Theory (1931) as it theoretical model. Lexical field refers to a group of
semantically related words associated with a common area of meaning or
experience. It plays a significant role in linguistics, discourse analysis,
stylistics, and literary studies because it helps explain how vocabulary items
function together to create meaning in communication. Through lexical field
analysis, researchers can identify themes, ideologies, and patterns of language
use in texts such as political speeches, literary works, and everyday
communication.
This theory argued that words
acquired their meaning through their relationships to other words within the
same word-field. An extension of the sense of one word narrows the meaning of
neighboring words, with the words in a field fitting neatly together like a
mosaic. If a single word undergoes a semantic change, then the whole structure of the lexical field changes.
The lexical field is often used in English to describe terms further with use
of different words. Trier's theory assumes that lexical fields are easily
definable closed sets,
with no overlapping meanings or gaps.
The research is also germane with
a Semantic Field (1931). Semantic Field Theory developed mainly
in the early twentieth century through the works of linguists such as: Jost
Trier, Leo Weisgerber, Ferdinand de Saussure. Jost Trier is often regarded as
the major proponent of the theory. He argued that vocabulary is organized into
interconnected systems where the meaning of one word depends on the meanings of
related words within the same field. The theory was influenced by structural
linguistics, particularly the ideas of Ferdinand de Saussure, who viewed language
as a system of interrelated signs. A semantic field refers to a set of words
related in meaning because they describe a particular area of experience or
knowledge. These words may belong to the same grammatical category or different
categories.
The theory holds that vocabulary
items do not exist independently; rather, they function within networks of
meaning called semantic fields or lexical fields.
A semantic field consists of words that share a common conceptual domain. For
example, words such as teacher, student, classroom, examination, and curriculum belong
to the semantic field of education. The theory emphasizes that the meaning of a
word can best be understood in relation to other words within the same field.
Thus, language is viewed as a structured system in which words are
interconnected semantically.
The Theory proposes that, a group
of words with interrelated meanings can be categorized under a larger
conceptual domain. This entire entity is thereby known as a semantic field.
Semantic field theory does not have concrete guidelines that determine the
extent of semantic relations between lexemes. The abstract validity of the
theory is a subject of debate knowing the meaning of a lexical item therefore
means knowing the semantic entailments the word brings with it. However, it is
also possible to understand only one word of a semantic field without
understanding the other
related words. A semantic field can thus be very large or very small, depending
on the level of contrast being made between lexical items. Is suitable for the
topic under study since the researcher intends to critically study
Lexico-Semantic analysis of the inaugural speech of president Asiwaju Bola
Ahmed Tinubu on the 29th, May 2023 at the Eagle Square Abuja,
Nigeria.
4.0 Data Presentation, Analysis
and Discussion
Language is a powerful tool that
allows individuals to express their thoughts, ideas, and emotions. The choices
and patterns of words used, along with their underlying meanings, play a
crucial role in shaping the impact and effectiveness of a text. Thus, analyzing
the lexico-semantic features of a piece of writing becomes essential in
understanding the intended message and the persuasive techniques employed. In
this analysis, the researcher will examine the lexical and semantic aspects
present in the inaugural speech of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Lexical choices
refer to the specific words employed by the author or speaker, carrying unique
connotations and serving to elicit certain emotions or ideas. Semantic patterns
and themes, on the other hand, involve the underlying patterns and recurring
motifs that shape the overall meaning and message conveyed in the text. This
section presents the analysis of data collected for the study titled “Lexico-Semantic
Analysis of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Inaugural Speech on 29th May, 2023.” The
analysis is carried out using the theoretical frameworks of Lexical Field
Theory and Semantic Field Theory. The section focuses on the lexical choices,
semantic relations, and communicative functions of language employed in the
inaugural speech delivered by entity ("politician","Bola Ahmed
Tinubu","President of Nigeria").Theresearch examines how lexical
items are grouped into semantic and lexical fields in order to reveal the
ideological orientation, thematic concerns, persuasive strategies, and
communicative intentions embedded in the speech. Through lexical and semantic
analysis, the researcher identifies the dominant vocabulary patterns used to
express themes such as governance, democracy, economy, unity, security,
development, hope, and national transformation.
4.1 Lexical Field analysis of
the Speech
The major lexical fields identified
in the speech include Governance and Democracy, Economy and
Development, Unity and Nationhood, Security and Stability, Hope and
Transformation, Labour and Employment and Patriotism and National Identity.
In Lexical Field of Governance and
Democracy, the research reveals thatone of the dominant lexical fields in the
speech is use of the lexeme governance and democracy. The president repeatedly
uses words associated with political leadership, democratic governance, and
constitutional administration.
“I
am profoundly honoured to serve as your president.”
“Our
constitution remains sacred.”
“Democracy
has risen again in Nigeria.”
“We
shall govern with fairness and justice.”
Lexical Items Identified
|
The lexical items in this field
portray the speaker as a democratic leader committed to constitutional
governance and political stability. The frequent use of words such as democracy, constitution, government,
and justice emphasizes legitimacy, accountability, and
democratic continuity. The lexical field of governance projects the image of a
responsible administration seeking to assure citizens of good governance and
adherence to democratic principles.
The researcher also observed
thatEconomic reform and national development constitute another dominant
lexical field in the speech. The president uses economically related lexical
items to communicate plans for growth, prosperity, and national transformation.
“We must create jobs and
reduce poverty.”
“The economy requires industrial
expansion.”
“Investment shall be encouraged.”
“Prosperity must reach every
Nigerian.”
Lexical Items Identified
|
This field reveals the president’s
focus on economic revitalization. Words such as jobs, investment, development,
and prosperity create expectations of economic progress and
improved living conditions. The repeated use of these lexical items serves
persuasive and reassuring purposes. It portrays the administration as
economically driven and committed to reducing hardship among citizens.
4.2 Lexical Field of Unity and
Nationhood
The president employs several
lexical items associated with unity, cooperation, and national integration.
Extracts from the Speech
“We are one nation bound by destiny.”
“Let us work together for a better Nigeria.”
“Our diversity shall remain our strength.”
|
Lexical Items Identified |
|||||||||||||||||||
|
This lexical field reflects efforts
to strengthen national cohesion in a multi-ethnic society like Nigeria. The use
of words such as unity, together, and cooperation projects
inclusiveness and collective responsibility. The lexical choices attempt to
reduce political divisions and encourage citizens to support national
development.
Lexical Field of Security and
Stability
There are also evidentof Security-related
lexical items in the speech.
“We shall confront
terrorism and criminality.”
“Security agencies will be
strengthened.”
“Every citizen deserves safety.”
|
The lexical field of security
reveals concern for national peace and stability. The use of words such
as terrorism, security, and safety highlights
existing security challenges while assuring citizens of government
intervention. This lexical field helps construct the president as a protector
of the nation.
Lexical Field of Hope and
Transformation
The inaugural speech also contains
lexical items associated with hope, progress, and national renewal.
“A new era has begun.”
“Hope has arrived.”
“Nigeria shall rise again.”
|
This lexical field creates
emotional appeal and optimism among citizens. The repeated use of hopeful
lexical items attempts to inspire confidence in the new administration. The
field reinforces the political ideology of renewal and transformation.
Lexical Field Theory is highly
appropriate for the study titled “A Lexico-Semantic Analysis of
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Inaugural Speech” because the theory
focuses on the relationship among words that belong to the same area of
meaning. Since lexico-semantic analysis examines vocabulary choice and meaning
in discourse, the theory provides a suitable framework for identifying and
interpreting the lexical patterns used in the inaugural speech.
Political speeches are carefully
constructed with selected lexical items aimed at persuading, informing,
motivating, and influencing the audience. In an inaugural speech, the president
uses language to communicate political ideology, national vision, government
policies, and leadership intentions. Lexical Field Theory helps the researcher
to group related words into lexical categories in order to reveal the thematic
focus and communicative purpose of the speech. In the inaugural speech of Bola
Ahmed Tinubu, several lexical fields can be identified. These lexical fields
help to explain the dominant themes and ideological concerns expressed in the
speech. For example, Words such as government , administration,
democracy, leadership, constitution, governance, policy belong to the
lexical field of governance. These lexical items reflect the speaker’s concern
with political administration and democratic leadership.
He used Lexical Field of Economy
byincludingWords like economy, investment, inflation, employment,
industry, prosperity, and development toshow emphasis on economic
growth and national development. The repeated use of these lexical items
indicates the president’s intention to address economic challenges and improve
citizens’ welfare. The speaker used some Lexical Field of Unity and Nationhood
in the speech.Lexical items such asUnity, peace, togetherness, nation,
citizens, cooperation, harmony demonstrate efforts to promote national
integration and social cohesion among Nigerians.
Thereare Lexical Field of Security
inWords like Security, safety, terrorism, violence, protection,
stability whichreflect concerns about maintaining peace and protecting the
nation from insecurity.And also there are Lexical Field of Hope and Progress
through the expression ofWords such ashope, renewal, future, progress,
transformation andgrowthtocreate optimism and inspire confidence in the
new administration.
Lexical Field Theory is justified
in this study because it enables the researcher to identify recurrent lexical
items in the speech, classify words into semantic categories, examine the
relationship among lexical choices, reveal the ideological orientation of the
speaker, understand how language is used for persuasion and political
mobilization and uncover dominant themes and communicative intentions in the
speech. The theory also helps explain that meaning in political discourse is
achieved not only through isolated words but through clusters of related
vocabulary items. The repeated use of words within particular lexical fields
reinforces specific political messages and shapes audience perception.
Furthermore, Lexical Field Theory
is useful in discourse analysis because it reveals how politicians
strategically select vocabulary to construct national identity, inspire hope,
gain public trust, and legitimize authority. In Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s inaugural
speech, the lexical choices project themes of democracy, economic reform,
unity, and national development. In conclusion, Lexical Field Theory is
suitable for the study because it provides a systematic framework for analyzing
vocabulary and meaning relationships in Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s inaugural speech.
The theory enables the researcher to identify lexical patterns, interpret
thematic concerns, and understand the communicative and ideological functions
of language in political discourse.
Semantic Field Analysis of the
Speech
The research identifiedin the
speech Democracy and Governance, Economy and Development, National
Unity, Security and Peace, Hope and Renewal as Semantic field. This
shows how words are connected through meaning relationships. In the inaugural
speech, semantic fields help reveal thematic patterns and ideological
structures. The major semantic fields in the speech includes:
Semantic Field of Democracy and
Governance
The semantic field of democracy
includes lexical items related to leadership, constitutional order, governance,
and political legitimacy.The Semantic Items under this field includesdemocracy,
constitution, government, administration, leadership, justice and authority.These
semantic items collectively project democratic ideals and institutional
governance. The semantic relationship among these words emphasizes
constitutional authority and political stability. The field reflects the
president’s attempt to legitimize his administration and reassure citizens of
democratic continuity.
Semantic Field of Economy and
Development
This semantic field includes words
associated with economic activities and national advancement. The semantic
items areeconomy, employment, development, prosperity, industry, investment and
poverty reduction. The semantic field demonstrates the administration’s
economic priorities. The interconnected meanings among these lexical items
create the impression of a government focused on economic growth and citizens’
welfare.
Semantic Field of Unity and
Nationhood
Some of the semantic items are unity, peace, togetherness, cooperation, nation, harmony and citizensThe
semantic relationship among these words projects national integration and
peaceful coexistence. The field seeks to encourage patriotism and collective
responsibility.The research noted Semantic Field of Security and Peace in Items
likesecurity, terrorism, violence, protection, safety, peace, andstability. This
semantic field reflects concerns about insecurity in Nigeria. The words are
semantically related through the concept of national safety and stability. The
president uses these lexical items to assure citizens that the government will
combat insecurity. Semantic Field of Hope and Renewal is also eminent in
the speech.Itemslikehope, future, transformation, renewal, progress, changeandgrowth.This
semantic field reinforces optimism and national aspiration. The repeated use of
positive semantic items helps build confidence in the administration.
The significant linguistic
features and semantic strategies inherent in the political speech
One of the significant linguistic
features in this political speech is the use of historical references. The
speaker invokes the idea of "founding fathers" who "gave bravely
of themselves to place Nigeria on the map as an independent nation" over
six decades ago. By referring to this historical event, the speech creates a
sense of continuity and tradition, suggesting that the speaker's goals are
aligned with the principles and aspirations of Nigeria's past leaders.
Additionally, the speech employs
inclusive language to foster a sense of unity and national identity. The
speaker consistently uses pronouns such as "we," "us," and
"our" to include the audience in their vision and to emphasize that
the proposed changes and goals are collective efforts. This linguistic strategy
aims to build a connection between the speaker and the listeners, making them
feel like an integral part of the progress and development of the nation.
Semantic strategies in the speech include the use of rhetorical questions. For
example, the speaker asks, "Let us take the next great step in the journey
they began and believed in." By posing this question, the speaker engages
the audience and prompts them to consider the importance of continuing the work
started by previous generations. This strategy appeals to the audience's sense
of duty and calls them to action, creating a persuasive effect.
The speech also employs contrasting
statements to emphasize certain concepts. For instance, the speaker states that
the Nigerian ideal is "more than just an improvement in economic and other
statistics." By contrasting material progress with the broader ideals of
compassion, fairness, and societal progress, the speech aims to transcend
merely quantifiable outcomes and focus on the deeper values and principles that
should guide the nation. The speech uses specific policy proposals in various
areas, such as security, economy, jobs, agriculture, and infrastructure, to
showcase the speaker's comprehensive approach to governance. This strategy
allows the speaker to appeal to different segments of the audience by
addressing their diverse needs and concerns. The speech ends with an emotional
appeal and a call to action, emphasizing that the speaker's presidency will
bring positive change and make the Nigerian ideal a reality.
The lexico-Samantic features and
how they are proficiently and manipulatively used
In the speech, several
lexico-semantic features were employed proficiently and manipulatively to shape
the audience's perception and create persuasive effects. First, the use of
positive and impactful language. The speaker employs words such as "great,"
"bravely," "proudly," "tremendous," and
"remarkable" to emphasize the significance and success of Nigeria's
past achievements. By using these expressive and enthusiastic terms, the speech
aims to generate a positive emotional response from the audience and to instill
a sense of pride and optimism.
Over six decades ago, our
founding fathers gave bravely of themselves to place Nigeria on the map as an
independent nation. We must never allow the labor of those who came before us
to wither in vain but to blossom and bring forth a better reality.
Let us take the next great step
in the journey they began and believed in. Today, let us recommit our very
selves to placing Nigeria in our hearts as the indispensable home for each and
every one of us regardless of creed, ethnicity, or place of birth.
My supporters, I thank you. To
those who voted otherwise, I extend my hand across the political divide. I ask
you to grasp it in national affinity and brotherhood. For me, political
coloration has faded away. All I see are Nigerians. May we uphold these fitting
and excellent notions as the new Nigerian ideal.
My fellow compatriots, The
Nigerian ideal which I speak of is more than just an improvement in economic
and other statistics. These things are important; but they can never convey the
fullness of our story.
Secondly, thereare uses of emotive
languagein the speech. The speaker employs words and phrases such as
"struggles," "challenges," "hardships," and
"desperation" to evoke empathy and create a sense of urgency. By using
emotionally charged language, the speech seeks to elicit compassion from the
audience and motivate them to support the proposed changes and goals outlined
in the speech.
The speech also employs expert or
technical language. The speaker uses terms such as "security
architecture," "economic diversification," "job
creation," and "agro-industrial processing zones" to demonstrate
competence and expertise in various fields. By using specialized vocabulary,
the speech aims to establish the speaker's credibility and convey the
impression that they have a comprehensive understanding of the issues at hand.
Conclusively, the lexico-semantic
features employed in the speech are proficiently and manipulatively used to
shape the audience's perception and generate a specific response. They range
from positive and impactful language to emotive language, expert vocabulary,
and figurative expressions. By carefully choosing words and crafting these
linguistic features, the speech aims to appeal to the audience's emotions,
establish credibility, and persuade them to support the speaker's vision and
goals.
The structure and the semantic
roles; the consequence of these semantic features on the speech
The structure of the speech plays
an essential role in organizing and presenting the speaker's ideas in a
coherent and persuasive manner. Generally, a speech follows a standard
structure that includes an introduction, body, and conclusion. In the introduction,
the speaker typically grabs the audience's attention and outlines the main
topic or purpose of the speech. The body of the speech contains the main points
and supporting arguments, which are presented in a logical and structured
manner. Finally, the conclusion summarizes the main points and provides a
strong ending that leaves a lasting impression on the audience.
Semantic roles refer to the
specific roles that words or phrases play in conveying meaning and
relationships within a sentence or utterance. For example, in the speech,
certain words or phrases may serve as subjects, objects, predicates, or
modifiers, depending on their semantic roles. These roles help to clarify the
grammatical structure and logical connections within the speech.
The consequence of the
lexico-semantic features on the speech is to shape the audience's perception
and influence their response or behavior. By using positive and impactful
language, the speech aims to engender a sense of pride and optimism in the
audience, contributing to a positive emotional response. The use of emotive
language seeks to evoke empathy and urgency, motivating the audience to support
the proposed changes and goals. The employment of expert vocabulary helps to
establish the speaker's credibility and expertise, increasing the audience's
trust and receptiveness to the ideas presented. Lastly, the use of figurative
language and rhetorical devices enhances the persuasive effect of the speech.
It engages the audience's imagination, making the ideas more vivid and
memorable, and leaving a lasting impression on the audience. The semantic
features employed in the speech significantly impact its effectiveness and
persuasive power. They help to shape the audience's perception, evoke specific
emotional responses, establish credibility, and enhance the persuasive impact
of the speech.
The researchers selected some
lexical items in order to look at the
features of every lexeme in analyzing the speech.
1. JOURNEY
+ vehicle + Animate -Inanimate +
driver+ Passenger
2. PRAYERS
+ Human + God+ Religion+ perseverance
+communication- disobedience+ answer
3. SACRIFICES+ obedience+ dedication+ perseverance+ prayer+ answer
4. HARDSHIPS
+ suffering+ sweating+ hunger+
starvation+ deprivation + Bad governance
5. CRUMBLE+ Fall+ stumble+ upset+ defeat+ disappointed+ loss of
power
6. DEMOCRACY+ election+ voting+ government + representatives+ Masses
7. PEACEFUL
TRANSITION+ handing over+ taking
over+ new government
8. RESILIENCE + stubborn+ courage+ Depression+ misfortune
9. DIVERSITY + disunity+ differences+ multiplicity+ assortment +
distinctiveness
10. CRITICS+ judgment + reviewer + interpreter + observer + scholiast
11. BREAK
APART+ separate + disrupt + disunite
+ explode + rupture + dis-member
12. PERISH+ expire + wither + rot + vanish + molder + shrivel
13. Therefore
presidents and leaders should adhere to these types of speeches without minding
the writer’s status. Heed the advice given by others who can positively
contribute to the act of governance. Also, National
interest should surpass party interest so that the targeted development and
plans would be achieved.
5.0 Discussion of findings
Because of the unfair nature of our
electoral processes and of the gross imbalance of our political economy, the
people have been props in a drama for which they should have been the main
characters. We must change this. We must move Nigeria from the place where the
whims and narrow wishes of self-centered reactionary elite dictate the fate of
over 150 million people. Let Nigeria enter the place where the people take
center stage and their elected leaders cease misbehaving like a modern-day
aristocracy and get on with the task of national development in earnest.
First, we need to sanitize the
electoral system. Material reform is needed. Unless reform comes, the next
election will be abysmal and the people's will shall not prevail. And that
would be dangerous. Let the next election be a fair and open contest between
the PDP power and our progressive vision for change.
On our side, we will take our
chances with a free and fair election. For we shall offer the people an
innovative program, consisting of a national industrial policy that includes:
radical infrastructural development and employment targets. It includes revival
of agriculture through commodity exchange boards, education reform and of the
modernization of essential social services including primary health care,
especially for women and children to reduce maternal and infant mortality.
These and other people-oriented
measures we pledge. We look forward to a public comparison of our plans to
those of the past 14 years under the current government. This is what democracy
is about. Let the people inspect each party's wares then vote for the package
that suits them in an honest and transparent manner.
A truly free and fair election is
what the Progressives ask for. One man, One vote. If we get this, we shall win
because we seek to provide a new leadership that will lead Nigeria to a better
place and future. A country where no responsible mother is forced to send her
children to bed without food, where no son watches his mother pass away because
he can't afford basic medical care and where every child can taste of a quality
education that allows them to dream of being doctors, scientists, farmers, business
people, nation builders, and even dream of being the president of our land. A
Nigeria where everyday brain drains is converted to brain gain. This is the
Nigeria we seek. This is the Nigeria that shall come to pass.
The current administration should
apply a consistent policy of targeted law enforcement operations in conjunction
with an active program of economic development, negotiations and potential
amnesty for penitent Boko Haram members. Instead, the nation has been treated
to series of government inaction, indiscriminate use of force, and now a state
of emergency. The Jonathan government set up a special Committee on Boko Haram
and Security matters but sadly before they could perform, he declared State of
Emergency in three Northern states: Yobe, Borno and Adamawa. This is
symptomatic of a confused leadership. If there is security in this jumbled
policy, neither I nor the majority of Nigerians can find it!
On the State emergency declared, we
told our National Assembly members to support it so long as it operates without
affecting the democratic structure and without the federal government dipping
its hands into the treasury of the States concerned. Before the end of the
State of Emergency, we hope government will enumerate the number of victims
including orphans, and the number of churches, mosques and properties of
economic value destroyed. Government must them move to compensate the victims.
Semantic Field Theory is highly
relevant and suitable for the study titled “A Lexico-Semantic Analysis
of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Inaugural Speech” because the theory
provides an effective framework for examining how words are grouped according
to meaning in a discourse. Since lexico-semantic analysis focuses on vocabulary
choice and meaning relationships, Semantic Field Theory helps the researcher to
identify and interpret the semantic categories embedded in the inaugural
speech. An inaugural speech is a political discourse designed to communicate
ideologies, policies, promises, national goals, and leadership intentions.
Politicians carefully select lexical items to persuade, inspire, unite, and
influence citizens. Through Semantic Field Theory, the researcher can classify
these lexical items into semantic domains in order to reveal the thematic
concerns and ideological focus of the speaker.
For instance, in Bola Ahmed
Tinubu’s inaugural speech, words and expressions relating to unity, democracy,
economy, development, security, hope, governance, and national progress can be
grouped into different semantic fields. These lexical groupings help to explain
the underlying meanings and communicative intentions of the speech. Semantic
Field of Governance the researchers observedWords such as government,
administration, leadership, democracy, constitution, policy reflect the
speaker’s concern with governance and political administration.Looking at
theSemantic Field of Economy, the researchers observedLexical items likeeconomy,
investment, employment, inflation, prosperity development show
emphasis on economic reforms and national growth. In Semantic
Field of Unity and Nationhood, Words such as unity,
togetherness, peace, nation, citizens, cooperationdemonstrate the speaker’s
attempt to promote national integration and solidarity.More so, the Semantic
Field ofSecuritywhere present in the speech.Words including security,
safety, terrorism, violence and protection indicate
concerns about national security and stability.
The theory is justified because it
enables the researcher to identify dominant lexical patterns in the speech,
examine relationships among words, interpret the ideological and political
message of the speaker, reveal recurrent themes and communicative strategies,
understand how language is used to persuade and mobilize the audience.
Furthermore, Semantic Field Theory helps to explain how meaning in the speech
is not conveyed by isolated words alone but through networks of related lexical
items. This aligns directly with lexico-semantic analysis, which studies
meaning relations among words in a text.The theory also assists in uncovering
implicit meanings, emotional appeals, and rhetorical intentions in the speech.
For example, repeated use of words associated with hope, renewal, and progress may
project optimism and create public confidence in the new administration.In
conclusion, Semantic Field Theory is appropriate for the study because it
provides a systematic method for analyzing lexical choices and meaning
relationships in Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s inaugural speech. The theory enables the
researcher to classify vocabulary into semantic fields, interpret thematic
structures, and reveal the ideological and communicative functions of language
in political discourse.
6.0 Conclusion
This study is mainly concerned with
lexicology and semantics as parts of the levels of language. These levels in
turn were used in analyzing the data. The notion of word is central in the
study of lexicology and semantics. Words and sentences are carefully selected
and well-ordered to convey intentions. These words and sentences form
themselves into coherent speech or text.
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