Illocutionary Acts In The Nigerian Pledge
Sapientia Global Journal of Arts, Humanities and Development Studies (SGOJAHDS), Vol.7 No.3
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.60951/afrischolar-346Keywords:
Societal Values, Nigerian Pledge, Illocutionary Acts, Speech ActsAbstract
This paper explores the illocutionary acts that are present in the Nigerian National Pledge, employing Speech Act Theory as its theoretical framework. The analysis investigates how the Pledge serves not only as a patriotic declaration but also embodies various communicative intentions such as pledging loyalty, invoking commitment, and fostering national unity among citizens. Using Austin’s (1962) Speech Acts
theory as a theoretical framework, the study categorizes the illocutionary acts into directive, commissive and expressive forms. The work elucidates the functional elements of each clause within the National Pledge. Furthermore, it examines the sociopolitical context of the Pledge’s usage to reveal how these acts contribute to national identity and national consciousness or ethos. Through qualitative analysis of responses from diverse demographic groups, this research highlights the Pledge's role in shaping civic responsibility and patriotism, thus demonstrating the intricate relationship between language, action, and societal values.
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