Background of the Study
Government announcements, especially presidential addresses, in Nigeria are pivotal in conveying national policies and directives. These addresses are often marked by distinct morphosyntactic features that reflect both formal language standards and localized linguistic influences (Chukwu, 2023). Morphosyntactic variation in this context refers to the differences in word formation, sentence structure, and grammatical constructions that arise from the interplay between official language norms and the speaker’s regional background. This study investigates how these variations manifest in presidential addresses and the extent to which they influence public interpretation of governmental messages. By analyzing a corpus of addresses delivered over recent years, the study identifies patterns of morphological productivity and syntactic deviation that contribute to the overall persuasive power of the discourse (Amadi, 2024). The research further explores how linguistic choices reflect political ideologies and cater to diverse audience segments across Nigeria. In doing so, it seeks to provide empirical insights into the relationship between language, power, and governance in a multilingual nation (Okafor, 2025).
Statement of the Problem
Despite the central role of presidential addresses in shaping public opinion, there is limited empirical analysis of the morphosyntactic variation present in these communications. Existing research has tended to focus on content and rhetoric, often overlooking how linguistic structures affect the clarity and persuasiveness of governmental announcements (Eze, 2023). This gap in the literature obscures our understanding of how variations in morphology and syntax may lead to misinterpretation or enhanced credibility among diverse audiences. Moreover, the lack of comprehensive studies on morphosyntactic features prevents the development of guidelines for effective political communication. This study seeks to fill this gap by systematically analyzing the morphosyntactic patterns in Nigerian presidential addresses, thereby providing a basis for improving language use in governmental discourse (Ibrahim, 2024).
Objectives of the Study
Research Questions
Significance of the Study
This study is significant as it provides a comprehensive analysis of the morphosyntactic aspects of Nigerian presidential addresses, highlighting their impact on public communication. The findings will be valuable for linguists, political analysts, and policymakers by offering insights into effective language use in governance. Enhancing our understanding of these linguistic features can lead to more precise and persuasive governmental messaging (Chukwu, 2023; Amadi, 2024).
Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study is limited to analyzing morphosyntactic variation in Nigerian presidential addresses and does not include other governmental communications.
Definitions of Terms
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