An Appraisal of Semantic Change in Nigerian Political Discourse: A Study of Election Manifestos
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Background of the study
Political discourse in Nigeria is dynamic, with election manifestos playing a central role in shaping public opinion. Over time, the semantic content of these manifestos evolves, reflecting shifts in political ideology, societal values, and economic priorities. This study appraises semantic changes in Nigerian election manifestos by analyzing language trends over recent election cycles. The research will examine the evolution of key political terms, the emergence of new metaphors, and shifts in lexical choices that signal changes in political strategy (Adewale, 2023). By utilizing corpus linguistics and discourse analysis methods, the study will map semantic networks and trace the transformation of political narratives. Such analysis is critical for understanding how political language adapts to contemporary issues and how it influences voter perceptions. The investigation also considers the role of media and public debate in accelerating semantic shifts, offering insights into the dynamic interplay between language and power in Nigerian politics (Oluwaseun, 2024; Amaka, 2025).
Statement of the problem
While election manifestos are pivotal in Nigerian political discourse, there is limited empirical research on the semantic changes they undergo. This research gap restricts our understanding of how evolving language influences political perception and accountability (Adewale, 2023).
Objectives of the study:
1. To analyze semantic changes in election manifestos over time.
2. To identify emerging political metaphors and lexical shifts.
3. To assess the impact on voter perception.
Research questions:
1. What semantic shifts are evident in Nigerian election manifestos?
2. How do these shifts reflect political and societal changes?
3. What are the implications for political accountability?
Significance of the study
This study is significant as it provides insights into the semantic evolution of political language in Nigeria, informing political analysts and communication experts. The findings will contribute to a deeper understanding of how language shapes political narratives and influences voter behavior (Amaka, 2025).
Scope and limitations of the study:
The study focuses exclusively on semantic change in election manifestos and does not extend to other forms of political discourse.
Definitions of terms:
1. Semantic Change: Shifts in the meaning of words over time.
2. Political Discourse: Communication used to discuss political issues.
3. Election Manifestos: Formal documents outlining political policies and promises.
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