THE POWER AND POLITICS OF SATIRICAL DISCOURSE IN SOME NIGERIAN NEWSPAPERS
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Faculty of Arts, Lagos State University, Ojo, Lagos, Nigeria
Abstract
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The study examines the satirical style as a source of literary comment
generally and in selected Nigerian newspapers in particular. The objective is
to find out how language is used to create a satirical piece. The study first
looks at stylistics generally, and then focuses on satire as a basic sub-generic
manifestation of literature in which writers employ different stylistic devices
to convey their messages to their readers. It then examines selected
newspaper articles written in the satirical style. The major findings of the
study were that: There is a general lack of knowledge of satire as a stylistic
device and how it could be used effectively, e this device for more than one
reason, which include: as a source of literary fun; to provide variety from
long, boring, conventional articles; and writers find it safer to use this
indirect method of criticizing because of repression fears which, quite often,
are real. The Nigerian reader as well as writer needs more exposure in the
area of language usage so that he can acquire the level of sophistication that
is necessary for him to read and write, understand, and correctly interpret
messages contained in a satiric piece.
Keywords
H Social Sciences (General), JA Political science (General), PE English