A SPEECH ACT ANALYSIS OF THE LANGUAGE OF PROTEST IN 2024 #ENDBADGOVERNANCE PROTEST IN NIGERIA

Abstract

This study evaluates the language of protest which has been examined
using different approaches. Certain linguistic features such as claim,
threat, demand, appeal, and dissatisfaction have been reported.
However, there is dearth in similar studies despite constant protest in
Nigeria. The researchers adopt Speech Act Theory J.L. Austin as a
framework for the analysis. The present study examines the language
of protests in Nigeria using the 2024 #EndBadGovernance protest.
The data for the study were collected from social media and reputable
news platforms, and 36 data were gathered and grouped under their
linguistic features. This research reveals that more demands were
made during the 2024 #EndBadGovernance protest. Qualitative
methods of findings from the analysis were employed. It was
discovered that the protest placards used by the protesters really
portrayed their views on the government and their demands from the
demands were explicitly stated. In furtherance of this, the study can
contribute to protest discourse and set in motion other studies using
the language deployed in the #EndBadGovernance protest in Nigeria.