Critical Discourse Analysis of Obasanjo’s Letter ‘Before Is Too Late’ to Jonathan

Abstract

This paper asserts that language has a close link with politics and is not merely a mode of actions but a means of interaction. Language cannot make sense on its own if not well constructed and channeled. The basic for mutual understanding and communication among interlocutors is hinged on the way and manner language is expressed. The letter coming against the obvious disagreements between the two personae’s, the paper takes a critical discourse analysis of former president Olusegun Obasanjo letter to President Goodluck Jonathan. We conclude that the author used a lot of power and superiority, metaphorical extensions, Linguistic irony, pun and Face Threatening Act to convey the tone of the letter.