An Appraisal of Semantic Variability in Nigerian Political Satire: A Case Study of Newspaper Cartoons
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Background of the Study
Newspaper cartoons in Nigeria often serve as vehicles for political satire, employing linguistic creativity to critique power and social issues. Semantic variability—the use of words and images with multiple meanings—plays a pivotal role in this genre (Okeke, 2023). This study appraises how political cartoons exploit semantic ambiguity to engage audiences and provoke critical reflection. Satirical cartoons typically use double entendres, puns, and symbolic imagery that allow for layered interpretations. By analyzing a corpus of cartoons from various Nigerian newspapers, the research explores how semantic variability reflects political discontent and cultural commentary. The study considers the interplay between visual elements and textual captions, examining how these components work together to create a dynamic, multi-dimensional critique of political narratives. Furthermore, it investigates the influence of social and political contexts on the evolution of semantic strategies in satire, contributing to our understanding of the relationship between language, art, and politics in Nigeria (Adebayo, 2024).
Statement of the Problem
Despite the widespread use of semantic variability in Nigerian political satire, there is a lack of systematic research on how this phenomenon operates in newspaper cartoons. The inherent ambiguity in satirical language can lead to diverse interpretations that may either enhance or obscure the intended message (Okeke, 2023). This gap hinders the development of a clear theoretical framework for analyzing political satire and limits our understanding of its impact on public opinion. Furthermore, the rapidly changing political landscape and media environment contribute to evolving semantic strategies that remain underexplored (Adebayo, 2024). This study addresses these issues by examining the semantic variability in cartoons, aiming to provide insights into their role in political discourse (Chinwe, 2025).
Objectives of the Study:
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To identify key semantic features in political satire cartoons.
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To analyze how these features contribute to multiple interpretations.
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To propose recommendations for understanding and leveraging semantic variability in satire.
Research Questions:
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What semantic strategies are employed in Nigerian political cartoons?
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How do these strategies affect the reception of political messages?
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What factors influence the evolution of semantic variability in satire?
Significance of the Study
This study is significant as it explores semantic variability in Nigerian political satire, offering valuable insights into how language and imagery shape political critique. The findings will benefit media analysts, political scientists, and communication experts by providing a framework for interpreting satirical content and enhancing media literacy (Chinwe, 2025).
Scope and Limitations of the Study:
The study is limited to newspaper cartoons and does not extend to other forms of visual political satire or digital media.
Definitions of Terms:
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Semantic Variability: The presence of multiple meanings in language or images.
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Political Satire: The use of humor and irony to critique political events or figures.
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Newspaper Cartoons: Illustrative representations in print media that combine images and text to convey messages.
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