Linguistic-stylistic analysis of the language of leadership in the political arena and the business world

Abstract

This study explores the role of language in leadership within the political and business contexts, employing James MacGregor Burn’s Transformational Leadership theory and analysis of Wala’a Bunaiyan and Kelsie McWilliams, as well as Michael Halliday’s Systemic Functional Linguistics. It distinguishes between the language used by political leaders (Olusegun Obasanjo, Umaru Musa Yar’adua, Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, Mohammadu Buhari, and Bola Ahmed Tinubu) and business leaders (Aliko Dangote, Tony Elumelu, Femi Otedola, Mike Adenuga, and Jim Ovia) in Nigeria. By analysing speeches through qualitative and quantitative methods, the study highlights how linguistic styles and choices vary distinctively between the two sectors, influenced by their specific contexts and communication strategies. Findings reveal that each sector’s language reflects its unique strategies, styles, and objectives, shaping public opinions and societal societal values. The research underscores the importance of recognsing these differences to enhance communication and understanding across different sectors, advocating against broad generalisations.