CRITICAL DISCOURSE ANALYSIS OF IDEOLOGICAL STANDPOINTS ON SECURITY DEBATE IN FACEBOOK CONVERSATION

Abstract

This work is entitled critical discourse analysis of ideological standpoints on security debate in Facebook Conversation. It aims at examining the ideological standpoints of various security debate participants on Facebook conversation. The work is premised on the CDA theory. The qualitative descriptive research method was adopted for the study. Data for the study were extracted from the two different security debates on Facebook conversation for analysis. The data were taken from an asynchronous discussion forum ‘Facebook’ where Nigerians congregate to interact on several social issues on Facebook platform. The data collected were analyzed using descriptive and interpretative tools. After the analysis, the study found that human beliefs, ideas, attitudes and contributions to social issues are ideologically and sociologically driven. The study among other things concludes that ideologies are veritable tools for constructing social identity, formulating beliefs and values that guide a person or group of persons especially as held for reasons that are not purely epistemic.