Speech Idiosyncrasies in Political Communication Through the Framework of Sociolinguistics

Abstract

This study examines the concept of speech idiosyncrasies in political
communication through the framework of sociolinguistics which sees language as a culturally transmitted behaviour patterns shared by a group of individuals. Data for this work are gotten from participant observation of the many campaign rallies of different political parties during the 2011 general elections in Akwa Ibom State. The study observes that linguistics is interested in political communication through sociolinguistics and has established the existence of language of politics as an isolative functional entity different from language of other professions. The study finds out that speech idiosyncrasy in political communication involves creative using of language through specific speech patterns on campaign rallies to mobilize the electorate for political action. The work discusses 10 speech templates noticed at campaign rallies and concludes that part of the cult-like following some politicians enjoy came through oratorical prowess in the use of any of the speech idiosyncrasies in political communication.