PRAGMA-STYLISTIC ANALYSIS OF MAJOR GENERAL J. T. AGUIYI IRONSI’S MAIDEN SPEECH

Abstract

This paper specifically reviews the language of major General Aguiyi Ironsi’s maiden speech from the perspective of speech Acts theory as formulated by John Austin in 1962 and developed by Searle 1999. However, it is brought to the open in his research how the language of the speech under review in relation to its context of use,influences to a large degree the interpretation generated from the speech. It also explores how the language of the speech has been pragmatically organised and planned towards luring and mobilising people to accept the government in power. Towards this end, the speech is framed in such a way that it caters for all shades of opinions, interests groups and thoughts. This then informs the use of various kinds of illocutionary tactics employed in the speech, which are meant to cajole and elicit the support of the citizens for the new government.