ABSTRACT
This research work focuses on the language of persuasion by
examining some selected speeches of Governor Aliyu Magatakurda Wamakko.
It has been carefully observed that the Sokoto state Governor is fond of
using persuasive expressions in most of his speeches. He uses the
language mostly to captivate and convince his audience and this tends to
endear him across the state to achieve his political goals
CHAPTER ONE
GENERAL INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background of the Study
Language is the system of human expression conducted by the means of
the use of words. It is a purely human and non-instinctive method of
communicating ideas, emotions, and desires by means of voluntary
produced symbol (Sapir, 1921). Language is a resource used for any
social purposes, it is to be found wherever human live in social
relationships and helps in maintaining political control, as it can be
used to communicate attitudes and feelings of government towards people
as well.
However, there are many interpretations to the concept of language.
Many scholars, and political analysts consider language of politics as a
means to play or deceive the citizens so that, the citizens would
believe them.
So, many features have been attributed to the nature of language of
politics, which depict politicians in most negative lights, this is
because the nature and characteristics of the processes, procedures and
activities in governance require constant communication between the
leaders and the led.
It is however believed that every set-up and discipline use certain
patterns of language to process information and ensure proper
understanding within their profession. For instance, in the legal
profession and engineering etc, have specific choice of words and terms
that are peculiar to them, so also are politicians and public officials
in leadership positions.
But the use of certain terms in language construction by politicians
is deliberate just to achieve some set of goals. Most of the times,
politicians lie, deceive, exaggerate etc, to convince the populace of
their good intention so as to generate continued support. Thus, citizens
are made to believe at times, what is either not true or over blown
beyond proportion.
O'Bar (1976) states that people use language (verbal or written) in
relation to the study of political process. Thus, politicians use
language either to impress, persuade, captivate or woo the interest of
their people, and the kind of language used by the politician to
captivate attention of their people differs greatly from the language
they use to persuade.
