A Critical Discourse Analysis of the Presidential Inauguration Speech of Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe

Abstract

This study aims at investigating the possible problems in Dr Azikiwe’s choice of words in his presidential inauguration speech. This study focuses its attention to Dr Azikiwe’s use of certain grammatical patterns including linguistic devices, rhetorical strategies and themes. The presidential inauguration speech by Dr Nnamdi Azikwe was chosen and analyzed using Fairclough's (1995) three-dimensional model of Critical Discourse Analysis. The findings of the study indicate that Dr Nnamdi Azikwe utilized these linguistic strategies to emphasize concepts like African superiority, national unity, citizen participation, and self-promotion. The use of pronouns like "I" and "we" reveals elements of egoism and exaggeration in Dr Nnamdi Azikwe speeches. The researchers also conclude that the language employed by Dr Nnamdi Azikwe shows his ability to attract Nigerians into his ideology of a better Nigeria.