Ideological Discourse Analysis of the Functions of Feedback Comments on Online Reports of Socio-political Crises in Nigeria

Ajiboye, Esther (2013) Ideological Discourse Analysis of the Functions of Feedback Comments on Online Reports of Socio-political Crises in Nigeria. Covenant Journal of Language Studies (CJLS), 1 (2). pp. 117-136. ISSN Print: 2354 – 3582 - Electronic: 2354 – 3523

PDF Download (328kB)

Abstract

This study examines discursive strategies in online news feedback platforms and their possible impact on readers‟ opinions and ideological perspectives. It argues that discourse forms and patterns in these platforms tend to reveal subjective value judgments, and these have the potential of moulding public opinions and social attitudes. Data comprises 201 reader comments collected from online news media reports on two socio-political crises in Nigeria. Findings reveal that news readers, as social actors use discourse to shape the attitudes and value judgments of other readers. This is achieved through the use of ideological strategies such as polarisation, generalisation and hyperbole among others. This study further establishes that interactions on news feedback forums are largely based on shared knowledge of the social context, and that socio-political crises give rise to lexical choices and discourse patterns that are controlled by already acquired ideological judgments of language users. Key Words: ideology, discourse, feedback comments, social crises, Nigeria

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	ideology, discourse, feedback comments, social crises, Nigeria
Subjects:	A General Works > AI Indexes (General) H Social Sciences > H Social Sciences (General) H Social Sciences > HN Social history and conditions. Social problems. Social reform J Political Science > JA Political science (General) J Political Science > JF Political institutions (General) P Language and Literature > P Philology. Linguistics P Language and Literature > PE English
Divisions:	Faculty of Law, Arts and Social Sciences > School of Humanities
Depositing User:	Dr. Esther Ajiboye
Date Deposited:	17 Feb 2016 10:29
Last Modified:	17 Feb 2016 10:29
URI:	http://eprints.covenantuniversity.edu.ng/id/eprint/5930

Actions (login required)

View Item