Islam in the Nigerian Media Discourse: A Linguistic Analysis

Abstract

The power of language in setting and framing perceptions cannot be overstated. Scholars and experts have highlighted how the use or misuse of language could be either constructive or destructive, depending on the approach and intent of the communicator and how he/she uses the dynamics of language. Islamic terminologies such as Jihad, Islamization, and Almajiri have often been misrepresented within the Nigerian media discourse. This study examined some of these terminologies and labels; linguistically analyzed some of their root causes in the Nigerian media discourse by focusing on the salient linguistic features. Through lexical and morphological analyses, the study uncovered and found nuanced variations of those terminologies that might be difficult to perceive and often overlooked. Specifically, the analysis encompassed etymological discussion, literal and contextual meanings, various usages in the media, the actual meaning within Islamic literature and practices, perception of these terms among the public and the implications of their usages on the Nigerian Muslims. Imperatively, standardizations and recommendations for using these terminologies were provided respectively.