A Pragmatic Analysis of President Tinubu’s Condolence Speech on President Buhari’s Passing

Abstract

This study is a pragmatic analysis of President Tinubu’s condolence speech on president Buhari’s passing. With a focus on President Tinubu’s speech, the study identifies, examines, and analyzes pragmatic features of condolence speech acts within political discourse. Using the Speech Act theory developed by J.L. Austin and further expounded by John Searle, the study analyzes how language is used not only to convey information but also to perform actions such as expressing sympathy, offering comfort, and unifying a nation in mourning on the death of an honorable person. The study adopts a qualitative approach, with the manuscript of the speech serving as the primary source of data. The analysis of the study identifies crucial condolence strategies employed by President Tinubu to sympathize with the family of the deceased and the nation in general, to give some specific directives on the account of the event, and solicit for national prayers on the well-being of the deceased in the after-life. Results from the research reveal that political condolence speeches play a crucial role in maintaining respect for the deceased. It promotes a sense of community resilience and continuity. The study contributes to a deeper understanding of the connection between language, politics, and social interaction within Nigerian political culture