The Semantic Implications Of Media Reports On Violence In Nigeria

Abochol, Simon Itine*, Adegboye, Oluseye Olusegun**
* Senior Lecturer, Department of English and Literary Studies, University of Abuja, Abuja, Nigeria.
** Lecturer, Department of Linguistics and African Languages, University of Abuja, Nigeria.
Periodicity:January - March'2015
DOI : https://doi.org/10.26634/jelt.5.1.3134

Abstract

This article is on semantics of words and expressions of various grammatical constructions that make reference to violence as reported in the Nigerian media, particularly, the newspaper where such words and sentences about violence are prominent. Twenty-four (24) headlines/captions on violence were randomly selected from Nigeria dailies for data analysis. Semantic roles were used to analyse the different words and expressions that made up the headlines/captions. Halliday's Scale and Category theory showing how text boundaries can be split have been employed to facilitate the analysis. The items (instruments) used for violence are meant to cause damage, havoc and loss of lives. The events (eventive) of violence are devastating and can enhance more restiveness in any society. The analysis of the data, show that semantic implications for the media, journalists and the Nigerian State is that most of the citizens in the Nigerian state become afraid or worried at the sight of newspaper captions/headlines carrying violent expressions. Also, other people in other countries who read Nigerian dailies carrying violent expressions/words are discouraged to visit Nigeria because of safety concerns. Lastly, certain locations in Nigeria which are prone to violent activities are avoided by both Nigerians and visitors to Nigeria.

Keywords

Violence, Semantics, Media Reports and Nigeria

How to Cite this Article?

Itine, A. S., and Olusegun, A. O. (2015). The Semantic Implications Of Media Reports On Violence In Nigeria. i-manager’s Journal on English Language Teaching, 5(1), 35-44. https://doi.org/10.26634/jelt.5.1.3134

References

[1]. Abochol, S. I. (2001). “Time Preposition in Sports Column: The Case of NewNigerian Newspaper“. An unpublished M.A. Dissertation, Department of English and Literary Studies, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.
[2]. Aidoghie, P. Why I didn't Support Ribadu – El-Rufai. (2011, May 21). SaturdaySun, pp. 13-15.
[3]. Alofetekun, A. (2011). Presidential Poll: 50 Corp Members Escape Death. DailySun, pp.12.
[4]. Balarabe, S. (2003). “The Effect of Language of Violence in Newspaper Reporting: A Research Note”. Zaria Journal of Educational Studies, Vol.5, pp.98-100.
[5]. Defleur, L.M.,& Dennis, E.E. (1994). Understanding Mass Communication“. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company.
[6]. Emewu, I. (2011). “Bin Laden: Al-Qaeda Declares War“. SaturdaySun, pp. 12, 56.
[7]. Eya, W. and Olusola, B. (2011). “Anxiety over Ministerial List“. Sunday Sun, pp. 7.
[8]. Ganagan, M. (2011). “Boko Haram's Hit List”. Saturday Sun, pp. 5, 8, 22-23.
[9]. Okpaga, A.,& Ansah, A.B. (2008). “Tackling Psychological Violence in the home: An alternative Approach“. The Journal of Family Development, Vol.3, pp.310-325. Makurdi: A Publication of the Centre for Family Development.
[10]. Omachonu, G. S. (2011). (Eds.), “NSUK TEXTS in General Linguistics“, 1. Enugu: Rossen Publications Ltd.
[11]. Omotoso, G. (2011). “ProQuattara Forces Clash in Ivory Coast“. The Nation, pp. 60.
[12]. Omotoso, G. (2011). “Afghan Pilot Kills Eight US Troops at Kabul Airport”, The Nation, pp. 60.
[13]. Tsa, G. Buhari Moves against Jonathan, (2011). “CPC Challenges President's Victory at Presidential Election Tribunal“, Saturday Sun, pp. 11.
[14]. Violence. (2014). Retrieved May 12, 2014 from Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary website, http:// www. merriam-webster.com/violence.html
[15]. Violence. (2014). Retrieved May 12, 2014 from Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopaedia website, http:// en. wikipedia.org/wiki/violence.html
If you have access to this article please login to view the article or kindly login to purchase the article

Purchase Instant Access

Single Article

North Americas,UK,
Middle East,Europe
India Rest of world
USD EUR INR USD-ROW
Online 15 15

Options for accessing this content:
  • If you would like institutional access to this content, please recommend the title to your librarian.
    Library Recommendation Form
  • If you already have i-manager's user account: Login above and proceed to purchase the article.
  • New Users: Please register, then proceed to purchase the article.