Background of the Study
Political campaigns in Nigeria are marked by public speeches designed to mobilize support and articulate policy positions. Pragmatic practices—such as politeness strategies, hedging, and the use of persuasive discourse markers—play a pivotal role in shaping public perception and voter behavior (Adeleke, 2023). This study conducts a comparative analysis of pragmatic practices in Nigerian political campaigns, focusing on public speeches delivered during election periods. Campaign speeches often blend formal rhetoric with colloquial elements, reflecting both the aspirations of political candidates and the cultural contexts of their constituencies. By analyzing transcripts of speeches from various regions and political affiliations, the research aims to identify recurring pragmatic patterns and assess their effectiveness in communicating political messages. The study further investigates how these practices vary across urban and rural contexts, and how they contribute to the overall persuasive power of political discourse (Chinwe, 2024; Okoro, 2025).
Statement of the Problem
Despite the importance of pragmatic practices in political campaigning, there is limited systematic research on how these strategies function in Nigerian public speeches. Most studies focus on content and rhetoric, overlooking the pragmatic devices that enhance message delivery and voter persuasion (Adeleke, 2023). This gap hampers our understanding of the nuanced language strategies that can influence electoral outcomes. Without detailed analysis, political campaigners may miss opportunities to optimize communication for diverse audiences. This study seeks to address these deficiencies by comparing pragmatic practices in public speeches, providing a clearer picture of their role in shaping political discourse (Okoro, 2025).
Objectives of the Study
Research Questions
Significance of the Study (≈100 words)
This study is significant as it explores the pragmatic dimensions of Nigerian political campaigns, offering insights into effective communication strategies for public speeches. The findings will benefit political strategists, communication scholars, and policymakers by enhancing the persuasive power of political discourse (Adeleke, 2023; Okoro, 2025).
Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study is limited to analyzing public speeches in Nigerian political campaigns and does not cover other forms of political communication.
Definitions of Terms
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