A Socio-Pragmatic Study of the Nigerian National Anthem
A Socio-Pragmatic Study of the Nigerian National Anthem

Summary/Abstract: This study aims at unearthing the language of the Nigerian national anthem (Arise O compatriots) from a socio-pragmatic perspective. The research is grounded on three theoretical frameworks namely, Austin’s (1962) speech act theory because words perform actions in different socio-cultural contexts; Giles, Coupland and Coupland’s (1991) accommodation theory because communication is a matter of convergence and divergence in the socio-cultural milieu and Halliday’s (2004) systemic functional grammar because words are arranged systematically to make meanings. They possess ideational, interpersonal and textual capabilities. The study, which is born out of the dearth of linguistic research on the Nigerian national anthem, indicates that the (new) Nigerian national anthem is not just designed as an ordinary political song. It is intended for praying and informing; hence, its major illocutionary acts. The writer/composer also deploys asserting, summoning, and admonishing as the song’s minor illocutionary acts, to advise the citizens on their historical antecedents and declare their duties to the nation. A further classification of the textual verbs according to Austin’s paradigm indicated that the song is inundated with behavitive, excersitive and verdictive speech acts.

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