STATE OF THE MIND: AN APPRAISAL ANALYSIS OF DISCOURSES ON SAME-SEX SEXUALITIES IN SELECTED NIGERIAN NEWSPAPERS

Abstract

The global debate on same-sex sexualities has been dominated by arguments on social justice and human rights. Scholarly attention on the subject from the linguistic perspective has dwelled on the ideological issues underlying homophobia in the Nigerian context. However, little attention has been paid to the attitudes of Nigerians, including homosexuals. This study, therefore, considers the stances on same-sex sexualities in selected Nigerian newspapers.

Drawing on Martin and White's Appraisal Theory, the study analyses a total of 100 articles from five popular Nigerian newspapers (The Punch, Nigerian Tribune, The Sun, Vanguard, and The Guardian) for a period of three years (2013 -2015, being the period of intense debate on the anti-gay bill in Nigeria). Findings revealed that words and clauses construe both positive and negative attitudes. While anti-gay individuals and groups appraised homosexuality negatively, pro-gay individuals revealed their dissatisfaction and evaluated anti-gay individuals negatively.

The significance of this study lies in the potential insights it provides into the state of the minds of Nigerians towards same-sex practice.