A SEMANTIC ANALYSIS OF MODAL AUXILIARY VERBS ON SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS: A STUDY OF SELECTED POLITICAL COMMENTS IN NIGERIA

Abstract

In recent years, social media has played a crucial role in the dissemination of political discourse in Nigeria, allowing individuals to express opinions, share information, and engage in political debates. This paper focuses on the use of modal auxiliary verbs in political comments on social media, specifically examining their semantic implications. Through a Qualitative Content Analysis of selected Facebook and X (former twitter) comments on political issues in Nigeria, this paper aims to uncover the strategic use of modal verbs to express power dynamics, intention, obligation, and probability in discourse. Findings reveal that epistemic modality was predominantly used to convey certainty and probability about future events and outcomes in political discourse. Modal verbs such as will were frequently employed in statements reflecting strong beliefs and predictions in political discourse, especially online platforms. The findings highlight the strategic use of modal verbs in political discourse, particularly in online platforms where language is a key tool for persuasion and mobilization. Also, the strategic deployment of modals, such as may, should, and will, in the sampled post of President Tinubu and the replies from his followers reveal an underlying intent to manipulate or influence audience perceptions.