Analysis of Pragmatic Framing in Selected Online News Reports on Nigeria’s 2023 Presidential Elections

Abstract

This research investigates the framing of online news reports about the 2023 presidential elections results in Nigeria. With textual evidence, it examines how some Nigerian journalists produce language in the context of national elections and the implications for peace and security. It also contributes to the understanding of pragmatic techniques used by journalists in the global South as a resource guide for the use of English as a second language. The study employed Mey’s (2016) and Searle’s (1969) theories for analysis. The corpus of the study consists of excerpts from six online news publications. Textual analysis established characteristic use of language by the selected journalists, grounded on the premise that journalists are guided by principles such as truth, accuracy, and fairness in their practice. However, being embedded in the Nigerian society where ethnic and religious divisions are rife, these factors may influence their practice. As such, their reportage may be framed by preconceived notions of cultural, ethnic and religious loyalties. Specifically, texts were examined for unattributed point of views, opinions, and utterances outside the territory of information of the journalist. With salient language selections and choice of sources, the reporters frame news towards a particular stance on socio-political issues. Findings revealed journalistic use of language in the study to be reflective of pragmatic strategies such as formal terms of address signifying cultural deference, the use of honorifics such as traditional titles, reflects Nigerian traditional values, politeness, and courtesy, while metaphorical expressions represent elections as a competitive sport or warfare where victors emerge and losers are vanquished.