Language, Power, and Intentions: Exploring Pragmatic Functions in President Muhammadu Buhari's Inaugural Address

This study investigates the pragmatic functions employed in President Muhammadu Buhari's inaugural address, aiming to fill a research gap in the analysis of Nigerian political discourse. While existing studies have examined linguistic features in political speeches, there is a scarcity of research specifically focusing on the pragmatic functions in President Buhari's inaugural address. The purpose of this study is to explore how language is used to convey power dynamics, and communicative intentions within the inaugural address. Employing a qualitative research design, the study conducts a detailed analysis of pragmatic functions, drawing on insights from previous research on political discourse analysis and pragmatics. The findings reveal a range of pragmatic functions employed by President Buhari, including the expression of intentions, promises, acknowledgments, appeals, and reminders. These pragmatic functions serve to establish authority, articulate governance priorities, and mobilize support among the Nigerian populace. This study contributes to our understanding of the role of language in political communication, highlighting the significance of pragmatic analysis in uncovering the features of presidential discourse and its implications for governance and society.