A Sociolinguistic Perspective of Language Role in Reforming the Narratives of Insecurity and Migration in Nigeria

Abstract

This study explores the sociolinguistic perspectives of language roles and the reformative lexemes in reforming the narratives of insecurity and migration in Nigeria. The challenges and dangers of insecurity on people’s life increase the rate of migration through legal or illegal means. This study is hinged on the social identity theory (SIT) of Henri Tajfel and John Turner (1979). Twenty-five (25) samples of reformative lexemes constitute the data. The study aims to provide insight into the different sociolinguistic perspectives and the multifaceted roles of language in reforming the narratives. It is revealed that resilience, empowerment, integration, compassion, inclusion, protection, justice, dialogue, education, partnership, coexistence and others are reformative lexemes of language roles to curb insecurity and migration. Therefore, it is recommended that appropriate language use will reform the narratives and curtail insecurity/migration to the barest minimum.