This study was interested in how well language was used to unravel mysteries surrounding the HIV/AIDS virus in the selected management campaigns. The speech act theory was used to determine the illocutionary force. A pragmatic analysis revealed that language was used specifically as Expressives in a subtle manner to urge audiences to get tested as early detection can save life while Representative acts got the hearer committed to giving support to friends and families who already knew their HIV status. Language was also used in this context to promote gender equality and prompt realization of dreams and ambition. Importance of open communication in all relationships was revealed through representative acts to overcome stigma associated with HIV/AIDS. The study revealed that Language in this instance has truth value unlike its fraudulent use to achieve commercial purposes at the expense of humanistic purpose.

^JCMRJournal of Communication and Media Research, Vol. 1, No. 1, April 2009,  129 – 139,

About the author

Toyin Makinde is a lecturer in the Department of English, School of Languages, Tai Solarin College of Education, Omu-Ijebu, Ogun State, Nigeria.

Full Article

Words: 5,615

Pages: 11

To access full article, click on download.

Article Citation

Makinde, T. (2009): The role of illocutionary force in HIV/AIDS management campaign messages in Nigeria. Journal of Communication and Media Research 1(1): 129 – 139.