Speech Act Theory and Political Speech: An Analysis of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's Inaugural Address

Abstract

This study presents a speech act analysis of the inaugural address of President Ahmed Tinubu with the aim of examining the communicative intentions and illocutionary force embedded within his discourse. The analysis focuses on identifying the various speech acts performed by Tinubu and exploring their rhetorical effects on the audience. It addresses the problem of understanding the persuasive power and communicative strategies used in political speeches, particularly in the context of presidential inaugurations. The study utilizes a qualitative research approach and the methodology involves several steps to systematically analyze the speech and identify the speech acts performed by the Nigerian President. The theoretical framework of Speech Act Theory is used for analyzing the performative aspects of language in political discourse. It uncovers the illocutionary and perlocutionary acts embedded in the speech and their rhetorical significance. The findings of the study reveal that President Tinubu utilized a range of speech acts in his address, including promises, assurances, pledges, acknowledgments, appeals to unity, and expressions of commitment and these speech acts served various purposes, such as establishing trust, inspiring hope, outlining policy priorities, and promoting national unity. The study reveals that the speech acts used address key issues such as governance, inclusivity, security, and economic development. Based on the findings, the study recommends that political leaders and speechwriters should be cognizant of the power of speech acts and their potential to shape public opinion and political discourse. The findings provide insights for political leaders, speechwriters, and researchers interested in the role of language and rhetoric in political discourse.