Unit and Mod Choices in 2022 Popular Slogans in Nigeria: A Systemic Functional Analysis Nil

Abstract

This work explored SFG features (the structural and interpersonal features) of popular Nigerian language (slang) in 2022. The broad aim was to discover the predominant ideas and moods utilized by way of the stylistic and communicative patterns which determine the slang usage in the Nigerian language. Recent and widely circulated slang words were purposively selected from Tribune Online and Channels Television. SFG categories of unit and mood were employed to analyze the slangs so as to reveal their structural forms and functional roles. The results show that all the four units of analysis (word, phrase, clause, and sentence) were identified with the sentence structures predominating and  declarative, imperative, and exclamatory mood types being the most frequent ones. Instances of interrogatives were less, pointing to a style that favoured assertive and performative expressions over dialogic ones. The research finds that Nigerian slang depends on brevity, directness, and performativity for the slangs to become not only recognizable catchphrases that instil identity, co-operation, and common cultural experience but also to be used repeatedly.