| Abstract: |
Africa as multilingual societies, the political leaders usually employ indigenous languages in public addresses to associate with diverse audiences. This study examined the usage of indigenous languages in presidential speeches. It investigated whether such rhetorical strategies signified genuine communicative accommodation or mere symbolic tokenism. Communication Accommodation Theory (CAT) was used to encapsulate the study. It critically analysed select presidential speeches delivered in indigenous languages in Nigeria, South Africa, and Kenya. The study explored the linguistic choices, situational contexts, audience demographics, and rhetorical intentions behind the deployment of local languages. The research employed a qualitative content analysis of speech transcripts and televised addresses, the research identified patterns of convergence and divergence in political discourse. The findings suggested that while the usage of indigenous
languages can foster cultural legitimacy; evoke emotional resonance, and bridge identity divides, its occasional and performative disposition often served as a political strategy to gain short-term favour rather than a sustained effort at inclusive
governance. The analysis revealed that in many occurrences, indigenous language usage is confined to ceremonial, campaign, or festive contexts, with limited follow up in policy or engagement. This study concluded that the communicative power of indigenous languages is underutilised and regularly instrumentalised. It thereby, recommended institutional frameworks for multilingual presidential communication that replicate genuine accommodation, national integration, and
linguistic justice. This research had contributed to discourses on political communication, postcolonial language politics, and the ethics of representation in African governance. |
