CONSTRUCTING CORRUPTION: HOW VERBAL CARPENTRY SHAPES POLITICAL NARRATIVES IN NIGERIA
Adaego Akinyemi , Department of Linguistics, Igbo & Other Nigerian Languages, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, NigeriaAbstract
This study explores the phenomenon of "verbal carpentry" as a linguistic tool used to construct and perpetuate political corruption narratives in Nigeria. Through a critical discourse analysis, the research examines the language employed by political actors, media, and the public to articulate corruption, revealing how such discourse shapes perceptions, legitimizes corrupt practices, and influences public opinion. The study analyzes various forms of verbal carpentry, including euphemisms, metaphors, and rhetorical strategies, highlighting their role in obscuring the realities of corruption and distorting accountability. By focusing on case studies from Nigerian political discourse, this research underscores the intricate relationship between language and power, demonstrating how verbal constructions can either challenge or reinforce corrupt systems. Ultimately, the findings call for greater awareness of the impact of language on political realities, emphasizing the need for critical engagement with the discourse surrounding corruption in Nigeria.
Keywords
Verbal Carpentry, Political Corruption, Discourse Analysis
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