Discourse Techniques in Chief Willie M. Obiano’s Inaugural Address, “Expanding the Frontiers of Excellence…”
BY
Ofoegbu Cyril Okechukwu [email protected] Department of English, Anambra State University, Igbariam Campus, Anambra State.
AND
Umeh, Rose Amaechi Department of English, Anambra State University, Igbariam Campus, Anambra State.
.
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Abstract
Language has been identified as man’s most important and effective means of communication. Language is also a portrait of human thought and it reflects the quality of thought generated in society. This discourse involves the context of usage. Woods Nicola (2006) defined discourse as language plus context. She says discourse determines our language in the context of usage. This paper focuses on the discourse techniques used by Chief Willie M. Obiano, the executive governor of Anambra state, in his inaugural speech, delivered on the 17th of March 2014. These techniques blended in his political discourse are coinages, diction and placement of words, word-trading, speech vocatives, figurative use of language and idiomatic expressions, rhetorical questions, Igbo praise names, collective pronoun- we, the repetitive use of the negative prefix –re and party slogans as a persuasive means of communication in the speech. These expressions played the role of driving home the message in the speech. Finally this paper explores the effectiveness of the discourse techniques employed by the governor in his speech thus places this speech as a political speech in a political discourse.
Keywords: Discourse analysis, discourse techniques, inaugural address and language.
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Introduction
Many scholars have defined language as an important tool of human communication and
they have also identified language as an effective means of human interaction. Ofoegbu (2008:1)
defines language as “the human system of communication” He says man uses language for his
everyday interaction. Language according to Akindele and Adegbite (1999:1) is characterized by a
set of vocal sounds which can be decoded. They describe language as a human phenomenon that has
form which can be described in terms of the units of sound, words, morphemes, phrases, sentences
and paragraph or discourse. They finally submit that form refers to the means by which sounds are
connected with meaning in language.
Man uses language to communicate his individual thoughts, inner feelings and personal
psychological experiences and this is evident in the study. The governor has used language to
establish a social relationship between him and his audience. His use of language in this speech is
informative as well as persuasive. Language is used for effective communication. This paper focuses
on the discourse techniques used by Chief Willie Obiano. It is an eight page speech in which chief
Obiano used appealing language to interact with his audience
What is Discourse Analysis
This is the branch of linguistics which deals with the analysis of written, spoken or sign language. No wonder, Woods (2006) asserts that discourse analysis “is language plus context.” She says that discourse is basically concerned with language in use. That is how language can be used in an identified context, to bring out its effectiveness. She believes that any act of carefully examining a particular discourse, brings about its analysis.
Johnstone (2008:2) believes that the process of discourse analysis is a process of separating the two terms. She says that discourse is the actual instances of communicative action in the medium
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Olateju (2004:10) describes discourse analysis as an explicit, systematic account of structures, strategies or processes of text or talk in terms of theoretical notions developed in any branch of linguistics. She believes that every process of discourse analysis must be sufficient to provide for the information. She talks about accounting for every feature used in a work of discourse.
She finally submits that discourse analysis is systematic in approach because it tries to analyze the language habit herein contained in a given discourse through empirical methods.
What is Discourse Techniques
This refers to the language used by authors/speakers to achieve an aim in a given piece. This simply means the language habit of a writer or speaker (Ofoegbu 2012:17). Many speakers employ discourse techniques in their speech and the aim is usually to drive home a point or sink home a message. The techniques used vary from speaker to speaker and this makes the study of discourse techniques unique because each speaker employs techniques that may be unique to him. Our focus in this inaugural speech by Chief Willie Obiano centres on the discourse techniques he used.
Discourse Techniques in Chief Willie M. Obiano’s inaugural Speech
Obiano made use of discourse techniques in his speech. He used diction and placement of words, figures of speech, code mixing and code switching, word-trading, speech vocatives, figurative use of language and idiomatic expressions, rhetorical questions, Igbo praise names, collective pronoun- we, the repetitive use of the negative prefix –re and party slogans as a persuasive means of communication in the speech. Diction and Placement of Words.
The Title: - “Expanding the Frontiers of Excellence …” indicates that there is a relationship between the ex-governor and the incumbent; a limit in their activities which needs to be expanded. (See the front page 2 of the speech).
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The use of the punctuation mark-ellipsis indicates that that expansion could go on and on, and that the ex-governors’ projects/structures and so on had excellent touches but need to be expanded by the in- coming Governor.
Speech Vocatives:
Pages 1 and 2 show the retinue of vocatives used by Chief Obiano. They are twenty-one lines.
Line 1 - Your Excellency, the President, Federal Republic of Nigeria, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan
Line 2 - The National Chairman of APGA – All Progressive Grand Alliance.
Line 3 - Your Excellency – the immediate Past Governor of Anambra State –Mr. Peter Obi and wife.
Lines 4-20 - Ladies and Gentlemen
Line 21 - Ndi Anambra, Nkeonye Chili Yazeluoo! (See the attached speech)
The last vocative in Igbo used by Chief Obiano indicates that he is writing mainly to an Igbo audience. This is a characteristic of a titled man’s greetings in Igbo land of which Chief Obiano is a titled man.
He touched every aspect of the government in his greetings. He did not jump or break any protocol.
This is a typical political vocative. It followed an organized order. His choice of words fall under the simple and everyday vocabulary. The vocatives he used was to draw the audience closer home. He strategically used them to show that he truly belonged to Anambra people.
Coinages
Chief Obiano used various coinages to drive home his point to his audience.
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Line 1 page 2: “Beloved Anambrarians”
The use of “Anambrarians” in this first line shows whom the address is meant for. The
borrowed pattern of a Nigeria – citizen referred to as “a Nigerian” is used by Obiano to
address his audience.
Paragraph 2, line 1 – “Ndi Anambra”
Paragraph 3, line 1 – Ndi b’anyi
Page 3, paragraph 4, line 1: “Ndi Anambra”
Page 7, paragraph 2, line 2: “Ndigbo Umunnem…”
Page 6, paragraph 2, line 1, “Beloved Anambrarians…”
Page 6, paragraph 4, line 1, “Fellow Anambrarians…”
Page 8, paragraph 4, line 1, Ndi Anambra nile, Ndi Igbo nile.
Page 6, paragraph 6: line 4: “Bring home your dollar and your skills ‘Dollar’ symbolizes huge sums of money (United States of America’s currency) while “Skills” symbolize the Igbo man’s ingenuity and entrepreneurship.
Page 2, paragraph 5: “… our brother, Dr. Innocent Chukwuma has launched Nigeria into a “new industrial orbit”… indigenous automobile; manufacturing limited in Nnewi. Obiano calls it “the narrative of the New Anambra”
- Page 8: “www.willie will work.com” I guess that the audience will applaud to such a coinage from their Governor and will see him as a workaholic and not as the past Governors who deceived Anambrarians and that Anambrarians would not think that another “Politricks” has emerged.
The governor has carefully used and repeated the above coinages to depict his extension of brotherhood, patriotism and love for his people, (“See Ndi Igbo, Umunnem” page 7), who elected him into office. His coinages suit grass-root political involvement. His pattern is not for the elites alone. This is typical of Nigerian political speech pattern.
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His placements of certain words side by side create meaningful pictures in the minds of his audience.
The use of Code Mixing
Code mixing is the use of two different languages in a given language discourse or a sentence string.
The way he code mixed his speech, shows his knowledge of both the English language and Igbo language and it suggests he is bilingual and proficient in both languages.
For examples: - page 2, paragraph 1; “Beloved Anambrarians…”
- page 3, paragraph 6: “Fellow Anambrarians…”
- page 4, paragraph 5, line 1: “Fellow Anambrarians…”
- page 6, paragraph 2, line 1: “Beloved Anambrarians…”
- page 6, paragraph 4, line 1: Fellow Anambrarians…”
From the above, Chief Obiano used them as vocatives and at each one; there is a use of comma to signify his clarion call. This also indicates the writer’s call for unity of purpose.
The use of Code Switching
This is the use of two different languages, in two different sentences in a given discourse. The governor again displayed his proficiency of the Igbo and English languages
Examples:
- Page 2, line 1: Ndi Anambra, Nkeonye Chili ya zeluoo!” (Which means … protocol..)
- Page 2: paragraph 3, line 1: “Ndi b’anyi” (which means my people”)
- Page 6: paragraph 4, line 5: “Onyeghananwanneya, Igwebuike, Izukammananneji” (United we stand, divided we fall).
- Page 6 – paragraph 7, line 5 “Ana Igbo needs you”
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(The Igbo land needs you).
- Page 7: paragraph 2, line 2, “Ndigbo Umunnem” (which means my Igbo beloved brethren).
- Page 7, paragraph 4, line 3 – 5 “Ogadiliunumma;, … Umu-ada Anambra” (the women of Anambra State, it shall be well with you).
- “Ndinnemaama! (All mothers, rejoice)
- Page 7, paragraph 4, line 7: “Ndiogaadilimma Ekenemunu;” which means, I greet every beloved one of you, It shall be well with you).
- Page 8, lines 6 – 7: “Ndi Anambra nile, Ndi Igbo nile, tetanu n’ ula na chi efogo? which means, All Anamabrarians, all Igbo race, rise up from your slumber for it is dawn).
Though his inaugural speech vocatives cut across nations and tribes, Chief Obiano carefully and repeatedly used code – switching to make his address homely. He does not care if other tribes or nations present understand his code-mixed expression. It is on a very rare occasion that he tried to explain their meanings in English and puts them in brackets. (See page 7, paragraph 4, lines 3-5). His switching shows one who is at home with his people and not in diaspora. His consistent repetition shows his emphasis on his target audience – “Ndi Anambra, Ndigbo etc. Despite the fact that there were members of the diplomatic community, representatives of donor agencies, gentlemen of the press and even the representative of the President, Federal Republic of Nigeria etc who were not from Anambra, did not deter him from changing his style. He has a target audience in mind – “the
Anambrarians”.
The Use of Igbo Praise Names
Chief Obiano used some Igbo praise names to show the traditional attributes of a typical Igbo man.
- page 3, paragraph 4, line 3, “OKWUTEE!!! – to describe the dynamic and enthusiastic ex-governor – Chief Peter Obi.
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- page 3, paragraph 4, line 6, OHAMADIKE!!! - for their ebullient party chairman, Chief Victor Umeh.
Use of Party Slogans
The writer has carefully used slogans to show, his political inclination.
- page 3, paragraph 5, line 3 KOKORONKOO!!! X 3 – (Slogan for APGA)
- page 3, paragraph 5, lines 7 - 9 “From Agulu to Aguleri” From Obi to Obiano”
According to the party faithful and the writer, it shows continuity in Anambra State. For a discourse analyst, it has rhythmic effect which is a poetic device, as well as word – trading used during campaigns.
Use of Quotes from Sages
- page 2, paragraph 1; lines 3-4: “… advised Ndigbo that only wise political choices would ensure their survival as a nation within a nation” – Dim Chukwuemeka Odimegwu Ojukwu.
- page 2, paragraph 3, lines 6-8 refers to Anambra (10 years ago) as a place where a small clique of renegades had turned into a “bankrupt and lawless fiefdom” – Prof Chinua Achebe.
- page 2, paragraph 2, lines 6-7 “we must team to live together as brothers or perish together as fools” – Dr. Martin Luther, King Jnr.
This shows an erudite writer, making references to wise sayings to show the mood and tone of his speech.
The Repetitive Use of the Prefix – “re”
Chief Obiano is of the opinion that the state has challenges for improvement, hence the use of the prefix –‘re’. The implication is that the writer is not satisfied with the already existing structures and
81 performances of the ex-governor, and so cries for redrafting, re-focusing, re-designing, re-modeling and reinvigorating structures and ideas run through the speech.
Examples: - “redraft” – page 4, paragraph 3, line 2, in the area of security.
- “re-orient our people” – page 4, paragraph 3, line 4, in the participation of the people as it concerns security.
- “re-train, “re-equip” and “refocus” “Our security outfit so as to strengthen the police and the Law Enforcement Agencies in the state:.
- “re-design and remodel Awka”
- page 6, lines 1 -3”.. we reinvigorate the family etc.”
Apart from the use of the prefix ‘re’, the writer also used some words like “launch” aggressive, “pillars”, “enablers” to depict his mood and intention for the state.
The use of Emphatic words
The use of the word ‘launch’ to introduce his Blueprint for his administration is remarkable.
When ideas are launched, it signifies something that is entirely new. Hence, on page 5, paragraph 1, line
2-3, Chief Obiano nicknamed his Blueprint to what he called – the FOUR PILLARS of Anambra State
Wheel of Development. (Note the emphasis written in capital letters). The use of FOUR PILLARS will automatically boost the masses’ moral.
Chief Obiano calls the FOUR PILLARS, the “Treasure Box” of Anambra State and the Ignition through which we shall light up the ENABLERS. These ENABLERS are ten. From education, health, environment etc to special infrastructure. This is an indication of hope for the people.
Again, the use of the word “healing” depicts sickness and Chief Obiano clamours for a total healing in his administration.
Page 6, paragraph, 4, lines 1-2 “Fellow Anambrarians, our land yearns for healing! It is our collective responsibility to heal this land with love!”
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Furthermore, the word “clamour” for a befitting capital city for Anambra State shows that the existing one does not befit a capital city.
Page 4, paragraph 5, lines 1-2 “Fellow Anambrarians, your clamour for a capital city that fully reflects the essence of our people will be addressed by my administration”.
(I presume that the audience cheered, clapped and hailed the Governor).
The words “new day” show a new governance with lofty new ideas. Page 8, line 5. “It is a new day in Anambra State”.
Page 5, paragraph 1: line 1: “we shall engage in a serious production of cassava…”
Page 5, paragraph 1: line 11: “we will provide the enablement for Oil and Gas companies…”
Page 5, paragraph 1: line 17: “we shall provide an enabling environment for our traders to switch from importation to manufacturing…”
Page 5, paragraph 2: line 3: “we shall light up the ENABLERS like Education…”
Page 5, paragraph 3: line 21: “when we create jobs and boost the earnings of workers, we strengthen the family.
Page 6, paragraph 1: line 1-3: “when we subsidize education …..
When we secure our communities …, we reinvigorate the family etc.
Page 6, paragraph 4: line 10: “we are calling on everyone to rethink and re-engage our heritage, our history, our families and our future”.
The Use of the Pronoun “We -1st person plural
The Use of the Pronoun “We – (1st person – plural) indicates involving the people in his regime. That is participatory democracy. Examples abound in
Page 3, paragraph 21: line 1: “we are regaining ourselves – belief … we are reminding ourselves that a people…”
Page 3, paragraph 1: line 1: “we can be master of our house;
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Page 3, paragraph 2: line 5: “we have no choice than to decide whether we are truly…”
Page 3, paragraph 3: lines 3-4: “we must not forget to thank the ebullient chairman of our great party, Chief Victor Umeh…”
Page 3, paragraph 5: line 20: “we must also thank our great party men and women…” Page 4, paragraph 2: line 1: “we shall aggressively address the challenge of power supply” … (a very big hope rising for the people who never experienced a 24 hr. unterrupted daily power supply in a week).
Use of Rhetorical Question
The writer, Chief Obiano, uses rhetorical questions to point further his confusion and disbelief in the mind of his audience about the political imbalance in his state. These questions I am sure received no answers during the presentation of the address. Those who are in the centre of government will wave-off these rhetorical questions, but to an average Igbo man who is not partisan, it would be a million – dollar question(s) which indicates that things have fallen apart in governance.
Examples Page 6, paragraph 3: line 3-4: “where is the love that once led our people through the extreme adversities of war?”
Page 7, paragraph 2: line 4-5: “The hard question we must ask ourselves is; how well have we fared as a people with a political future?”
The Use of Figurative/Idiomatic Expressions
The Governor has used some Igbo Idiomatic expressions to drive home his call for Unity of purpose in his administration. According to Adegbite et al (2012:18), they observed that “African/Nigerian (Igbo writers like Chinua Achebe) have made English accommodate and express African – Nigerian thoughts and ideas”.
Examples
Page 3, paragraph 31: line 6-71: “to decide whether we are truly the sons and daughters of our fathers and true heirs to their long history of pioneering excellence!”
Page 6, paragraph 31: lines 1-3: “Over the years, we have allowed narrow interests to put a knife on the things that held us together and today, we can no longer act as one:.
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Page 7, paragraph 5: lines 1-2: “Finally, I extend an Olive branch to my brothers, Senator Chris Ngige, Ifeanyi Ubah, Tony Nwoye and other candidates who ran for election with me:. These people mentioned are his political opponents and the Governor asks for peace. Is peace realizable when cases are in court over who won the 2014 Anambra gubernatorial election?
Use of Word -Trading and Symbols
Politicians use language and symbols as they deem fit so as to achieve technical knockout of their opponents. The speaker was not left out in this technique. For example
Page 3, paragraph 5: “Your clamour for continuity in Anambra State as captured in your slogans “From Agulu to Aguleri” and from Obi to Obiano has finally been fulfilled”. This victory belongs to you all”.
For Adegbite et al (2012), the above usage and coinage is called “Stylistic meaning which involves the meaning of words/sentences according to the situation or context in which the expression is used.”
Meaning can vary according to the situation and different registers or social use. Social meaning helps to reveal how social roles or relationships are established and regulated.
This slogan, “from Obi – Obiano… “emanated from the political campaign of APC and APGA.
To the opposition parties like PDP, APC, LP etc, the word “clamour” is annoying because they would have preferred their party to occupy the Anambra State Government House. Some variables such as idiolect, dialect, tone, choice of words (Colloquialism, slangs etc) affect the communicative value of an expression.
For example: - nke onye chili ya zeluo” (is dialectical)
- “Kokorooko” … (APGA Political slang for a new dawn) a cock is used to announce the arrival of a new dawn.
- “Onye aghana nwa nne ya” – (is a proverbial dialect of people from the South – East Political Zone as well as APGA Party slogan. APC for example has their symbol as “broom”. The significance of broom is to sweep away bad governance and all unworthiness.
The significance of an umbrella, painted with PDP Party colour symbolizes shelter and unity.
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The above collective meanings refer to the company of words. Words have a way of affecting each other in the environment in which they occur.
Conclusion
Conclusively the speech writer has applied effectively the some levels of Discourse Analysis. As a discourse on politics, he looked at the language, use of coinages and extended meanings of words. Chief
Obiano allowed certain words and expressions in their original African (Igbo) language for reasons that bear upon the style of the writer. This was done, perhaps, to retain its original texture and meaning and to capture the target audience interest. His inaugural address is humorous and lively. The use of ellipsis in the title page indicates that there are many rooms or areas for expansions in the state developmental structures.
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