The Language of Political Cartoons in Nigeria

Abstract

This study was focused on the political cartoons selected from some Nigerian tabloids at the eve of the 2003 general elections. We set out to analyze the language of the inscriptions, dialogues, monologues, labels and songs used alongside the pictures in the cartoons with emphasis on the layers of meaning such as register, denotation, connotation and creativity. We found out a preponderance of political terms and phraseologies in both standard and non-standard varieties of English in Nigeria as well as special neologistic coinages used in creating political awareness as well as castigating erring political actors. The study concludes that the language of political cartoons in Nigeria is brief, Nigerian English lexified, creative and artistic to attract the various segments of the citizenry into political participation.

Keywords: Inscriptions, Register, Denotation, Connotation, Neologism, Varieties of English, Nominal groups, Electorate and Politicians.

LWATI: A Journal of Contemporary Research, 9(2), 97-104, 2012