Syntactic Analysis of Language Used in Selected Nigerian Newspapers

Authors

  • Dr. Aboki Mohammad Sani Department of Languages and Linguistics, Taraba State University, Jalingo, Nigeria.
  • Bamanga Aliyu Department of General Studies Department Federal Polytechnic, Bali, Taraba State, Nigeria

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.56666/ahyu.v7i.175

Keywords:

Syntax, Phrases, Roles, Structures, Discourse

Abstract

Abstract

This study examines the influence of theta roles and noun phrases (NPs) within the syntactic structures of Nigerian newspapers by focusing on how these elements contribute to framing news narratives and shaping public discourse. The objectives include identifying and categorizing NPs in selected newspapers, assigning theta roles to each NP to understand their semantic contribution and analysing the impact of these roles on narrative structure. Additionally, the study quantifies the proportion of theta roles in shaping discourse and explores their roles in emphasizing or downplaying narrative elements. Using a purposive random sampling technique, five major Nigerian newspapers—Daily Trust, The Guardian, Leadership, Premium Times, and Vanguard—were selected for analysis. The research draws on theoretical insights from Chomsky, Haegeman, and Carnie, employing a descriptive survey design with a qualitative approach. Through systematic content analysis, findings reveal that the strategic use of theta roles in syntactic structures significantly influences how news stories are framed, often guiding readers' perceptions by highlighting certain aspects over others. These insights have implications for media literacy, as understanding the theta roles within syntactic structures can help readers critically evaluate news narratives.

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Author Biographies

Dr. Aboki Mohammad Sani, Department of Languages and Linguistics, Taraba State University, Jalingo, Nigeria.

Dr. Aboki M. Sani, born on July 15, 1972, in Bantaje, Wukari LGA of Taraba State, Nigeria, is an Associate Professor at Taraba State University, Jalingo. He holds a Ph.D. in Linguistics from the International University of Africa, Khartoum (2017), an M.A. and B.A. in Hausa from Bayero University, Kano, and a certificate in Public Relations from the University of Khartoum. His academic career began at the Federal College of Education, Yola, before moving to Taraba State University, where he has served in various roles, including Head of Department and Director of Endowment. He has taught numerous undergraduate and postgraduate courses in Hausa linguistics and supervised several theses. Dr. Sani has published works on phonology, translation, and sociolinguistics, contributing significantly to the study of Hausa language and culture. He is married with children and resides in Jalingo, Taraba State.

His academic career began at the Federal College of Education, Yola, before moving to Taraba State University, where he has served in various roles, including Head of Department and Director of Endowment. He has taught numerous undergraduate and postgraduate courses in Hausa linguistics and supervised several theses. Dr. Sani has published works on phonology, translation, and sociolinguistics, contributing significantly to the study of Hausa language and culture. He is married with children and resides in Jalingo, Taraba State. Email:  <[email protected]>.

Bamanga Aliyu, Department of General Studies Department Federal Polytechnic, Bali, Taraba State, Nigeria

Mr Bamanga Aliyu is an accomplished linguist and academic, pursuing a Ph.D. in Linguistics at Taraba State University, Jalingo. He earned M.A. in English Language Teaching from University of Sussex, UK, and B.A. in Linguistics/English from University of Maiduguri, alongside a Professional Diploma in Education from Adamawa State Polytechnic. Currently, he is a senior lecturer at Federal Polytechnic, Bali, Department of General Studies and a visiting lecturer at ABU, Zaria (Yola Campus), as well as a resource person at Modibbo Adama University, CDL, Yola. An active researcher and member of LAN, TRCN, ELTAN and ESAN, his work focuses on syntax, phonology, error analysis, and linguistic features. Email: <[email protected]>.

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Published

2024-12-04

How to Cite

Mohammad Sani, D. A., & Aliyu, B. . (2024). Syntactic Analysis of Language Used in Selected Nigerian Newspapers. Ahyu: A Journal of Language and Literature, 7, 100–113. https://doi.org/10.56666/ahyu.v7i.175

Issue

Vol. 7 (2024): AHYU: A JOURNAL OF LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE

Section

Articles

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