Analysis of Predicate Logical Relations Used in Selected Nigerian Newspapers: A LexicoSemantic Approach

Abstract

This study investigates predicate logical relations within selected Nigerian newspapers using a lexico-semantic approach. The analysis focuses on how predicates, as linguistic elements conveying action and states, establish logical connections within texts. Understanding these relations is crucial for discourse analysis and comprehension of the textual structure and semantic coherence in journalistic writing. The research employs a qualitative methodology, specifically a lexico-semantic framework, to systematically examine how predicates are utilized across a corpus of Nigerian newspapers. Predicates are identified and categorized based on their semantic roles and relationships within sentences and paragraphs. By doing so, the study aims to uncover patterns and trends in how Nigerian newspapers construct meaning and convey information through predicate logic. Furthermore, the study explores the implications of these findings for both linguistic theory and journalistic practice. It seeks to contribute to the growing body of research on discourse analysis within the context of Nigerian media, offering insights into how predicate logical relations shape the narrative and argumentation strategies employed by journalists. The findings highlight the diversity and complexity of predicate usage across different newspapers, reflecting variations in editorial style, audience engagement strategies, and rhetorical purposes. Such insights not only enrich our understanding of journalistic discourse in Nigeria but also provide a basis for comparative studies across different linguistic and cultural contexts.