Background of the study
Tone and intonation are central to effective political oratory, influencing how messages are perceived by audiences. In Nigerian political discourse, speakers often blend Yoruba tonal features with the prosodic elements of Nigerian English, creating a distinctive oratorical style. This study evaluates how tone and intonation are employed in political speeches, comparing performances in Yoruba and Nigerian English. By analyzing recordings of political oratory, the research investigates the role of pitch variation, rhythm, and stress in conveying emotions and persuasive intent (Ogunleye, 2023). The study further examines how these prosodic elements contribute to the overall effectiveness of speeches, enhancing credibility and audience engagement. Such an analysis provides valuable insights into the interplay between indigenous linguistic features and contemporary political communication, highlighting the importance of culturally informed speech delivery (Afolabi, 2024; Musa, 2025). The findings aim to guide political communicators in optimizing their vocal delivery to resonate with diverse audiences.
Statement of the problem
While tone and intonation are recognized as vital components of effective political speech, there is limited research comparing their use in Yoruba versus Nigerian English oratory. Differences in prosodic delivery may affect message clarity and persuasive impact, yet a systematic examination of these variables is lacking (Ogunleye, 2023). This research gap restricts our understanding of how indigenous tonal features can be integrated with modern political communication practices to enhance audience reception. This study seeks to address this shortfall by comparing tone and intonation in political speeches, thereby informing better speech strategies for Nigerian political leaders (Musa, 2025).
Objectives of the study:
1. To analyze tone and intonation in Yoruba and Nigerian English political speeches.
2. To compare the effectiveness of prosodic features in both language varieties.
3. To recommend best practices for political oratory.
Research questions:
1. What are the key prosodic features in Yoruba and Nigerian English speeches?
2. How do tone and intonation affect audience perception?
3. What strategies can enhance political speech delivery?
Significance of the study
This study is significant as it provides a comparative analysis of tone and intonation in Nigerian political oratory, offering insights that can enhance the effectiveness of political communication. The findings will benefit speechwriters, coaches, and politicians by outlining strategies that integrate indigenous and contemporary prosodic elements (Musa, 2025).
Scope and limitations of the study:
The study focuses solely on tone and intonation in Nigerian political speeches, specifically comparing Yoruba and Nigerian English. It does not include other prosodic features or languages.
Definitions of terms:
1. Tone: The use of pitch to convey meaning.
2. Intonation: The variation of pitch in speech.
3. Political Oratory: Formal public speaking by political figures.
Background Of Study
School gardens have a long history in our educational system, and they are currentl...
Chapter One: Introduction
Background of the Study
Think tanks play an increasingly important role in policy development, providing research, analy...
ABSTRACT: Early childhood education (ECE) plays a vital role in promoting...
THE INFLUENCE OF DATA VISUALIZATION ON BUSINESS ANALYTICS
This study investigates the influence o...
Background of the Study:
Educational qualifications are widely recognized as a critical determinant of job market accessibi...
Background of the Study
Obi Local Government Area (LGA) in Nasarawa State, Nigeria, faces significant challenges related to maternal healthc...
Background of the Study
Traditional herbal treatments have been used for centuries in Kwara State as an alternative or complementary appr...
Background of the Study
The rapid proliferation of digital technologies in education has led to an unprecedented availabil...
Background of the Study
Accessibility of banking services in rural communities remains a critical determinant of financial...