Abstract
This paper analyses newspaper headlines on security issues in Nigeria in order to describe the speech acts used in the headlines, identify the types of speech acts and discuss the social implications of these speech acts. Six newspaper headlines—three from The Punch and three from Vanguard – were selected for analysis. The analysis was conducted using Speech Act Theory as propounded by John Austin and further developed by John R. Searle. The analysis of the data reveals that assertive speech acts predominantly characterise the headlines, serving to report on security events and achievements. The study also reveals that some headlines employ commissive speech acts to set expectations and manage public trust, particularly in relation to new leadership appointments. The analysis also found out that reports of violent incidents often utilise assertive speech acts to highlight ongoing security threats, thereby raising public awareness of security challenges. The study concludes that the Nigerian newspaper headlines analysed demonstrate the significant role of assertive language in shaping public perceptions of security and government actions, highlighting the fact that the media not only informs, but also influences the emotional and cognitive responses of the audience, thereby playing a critical role in shaping national discourse on security issues.
Introduction
Newspaper headlines are not simply summaries of news stories—they can be influential tools that contribute to shaping public perception and may play a role in influencing policy decisions, particularly during times of heightened insecurity. Nigeria's sociopolitical landscape is shaped by significant security challenges, including insurgencies, terrorism, and civil unrest, which impact various regions to varying degrees. These issues have significant implications for national stability; and the way they are portrayed in the media, particularly through headlines, plays a critical role in how the public and policymakers understand and respond to them. Given this, the study of newspaper headlines can offer valuable insights into how language influences the broader socio-political discourse in Nigeria, especially with respect to security concerns.
Content
The application of pragmatics, especially speech act theory, offers a useful framework for analysing how headlines convey meaning beyond their literal content, through the performative acts embedded in the language. According to this theory, as developed by philosophers like John Austin (1962) and John Searle (1969), communication is not simply about conveying information; it also involves performing actions through language—what are known as locutionary, illocutionary, and perlocutionary acts. According to them, locutionary acts refer to the act of producing a meaningful words or sentences that convey information; illocutionary acts refer to the act of using language to perform specific function or intention while perlocutionary acts refer to the act of producing effect on the listener through the use of language. In the context of newspaper headlines on security issues, these acts may influence how individuals interpret the severity, urgency, and implications of a given security event, potentially shaping public attitudes and policy responses.
Conclusion
In concluding this paper, it is pertinent to state that the analysis of Nigerian newspaper headlines demonstrates the significant role of assertive language in shaping public perceptions of security and government actions. Through strategic word choices that emphasise military success or law enforcement effectiveness, the media frames security efforts as both justified and necessary, reinforcing government authority and fostering public trust. At the same time, emotionally charged language in reports of violent incidents serves to heighten public concern, driving calls for action. By managing public sentiment through carefully crafted rhetoric, the media not only informs but also influences the emotional and cognitive responses of the audience, thereby playing a critical role in shaping national discourse on security issues.
References
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