© Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile For more information contact A CRITICAL DISCOURSE ANALYSIS OF THE MOTTOS OF SELECTED DEPARTMENTAL ASSOCIATIONS AT OBAFEMI AWOLOWO Olufunwa Olusola OLUROTIMI B. A. Edu. (ENGLISH A Thesis Submitted University, Ile-Ife in Partial Fulfilment the Degree © Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria For more information contact ir-help@oauife.edu.ng A CRITICAL DISCOURSE ANALYSIS OF THE MOTTOS OF SELECTED DEPARTMENTAL ASSOCIATIONS AT OBAFEMI AWOLOWO UNIVERSITY, ILE-IFE Olufunwa Olusola OLUROTIMI ARP12/13/H/0482 B. A. Edu. (ENGLISH LANGUAGE) IFE A Thesis Submitted to the Postgraduate College, Obafemi Awolowo n Partial Fulfilment of the Requirements he Degree of Master of Arts (English Language) 2016 A CRITICAL DISCOURSE ANALYSIS OF THE MOTTOS OF SELECTED DEPARTMENTAL ASSOCIATIONS AT OBAFEMI AWOLOWO ge, Obafemi Awolowo he Requirements for the Award of f Arts (English Language) © Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile For more information contact This is to certify that this research work was carried out by Olufunwa Olusola OLUROTIMI, with registration number ARP12/13//H/0482 in the Department of English, Faculty of Arts, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile ................................................................ Dr. K. A. Ayoola Supervisor ................................................................ Prof. O. Okunoye Head of Department ii © Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria For more information contact ir-help@oauife.edu.ng CERTIFICATION that this research work was carried out by Olufunwa Olusola OLUROTIMI, with registration number ARP12/13//H/0482 in the Department of English, Faculty of Arts, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria. ................. ............................................................... Date ................................................................ ........................................................ Date that this research work was carried out by Olufunwa Olusola OLUROTIMI, with registration number ARP12/13//H/0482 in the Department of English, Faculty of Arts, ............................................................... ............................................................... © Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile For more information contact OBAFEMI AWOLOWO UNIVERSITY, ILE HEZEKIAH OLUWASANMI LIBRARY AUTHOR: OLUROTIMI Olufunwa Olusola TITLE: A Critical Discourse Analysis of the Mottos of Selected Departmental Associations at Obafemi Awolowo, Ile DEGREE: Master of Arts (English Language) YEAR: 2016 I, OLUROTIMI Olufunwa Olusola, hereby authorise the management of Hezekiah Oluwasanmi Library, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile response to the requests from individual researchers or organisations for the purpose of private study of research. ........................................................... SIGNATURE iii © Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria For more information contact ir-help@oauife.edu.ng AUTHORIZATION TO COPY OBAFEMI AWOLOWO UNIVERSITY, ILE-IFE, NIGERIA HEZEKIAH OLUWASANMI LIBRARY POSTGRADUATE THESIS OLUROTIMI Olufunwa Olusola A Critical Discourse Analysis of the Mottos of Selected Departmental Associations at Obafemi Awolowo, Ile-Ife Master of Arts (English Language) I, OLUROTIMI Olufunwa Olusola, hereby authorise the management of Hezekiah Oluwasanmi ibrary, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria to copy my thesis in whole or in part, in response to the requests from individual researchers or organisations for the purpose of private ........................................................... ........................................................... DATE IFE, NIGERIA A Critical Discourse Analysis of the Mottos of Selected Departmental I, OLUROTIMI Olufunwa Olusola, hereby authorise the management of Hezekiah Oluwasanmi Ife, Nigeria to copy my thesis in whole or in part, in response to the requests from individual researchers or organisations for the purpose of private ........................................................... © Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile For more information contact My sincere appreciation goes to God Almighty, my creator, my helper, for His helping hands towards the successful completion of my programme. My profound gratitude first goes to my indefatigable supervisor Dr. K. A. Ayoola for his thorough, scholarly efforts, tireless advice and corrections towards the completion of this work. Permit me to you are a father indeed. My utmost prayer is that God’s infinite mercy will be with you and your family as a whole. I am equally indebted to my parents, Mr. and Mrs. Babalola Rotimi, Mr. and Mrs. Rotimi Omotosho, Mr. and Mrs. Olawale Oluwabukunola, my lovely siblings Titilope, Toluwalope Babalola and Barr. Adetula Ayodeji. My special thanks also goes to my Pastors: Pastor Sanni, Pastor Douglas, and Pastor Adu who encouraged me in the course of this research. Also, the one who is so dear to me-Mr. Awoyale Ayobamidele Sylvester deserves my immeasurable debt of appreciation. I wish to appreciate all my friends: Yagba Omoniyi, Olamisoji Tolulope, Salawu Olaoluwa David (Babaniwo), Mrs. Akarakiri Hephzibah, Olawuni Sunday, Akpati F will be incomplete without commending the efforts of some of my lecturers at the department who encouraged me in the course of this research, Dr. E.T.O. Babalola, Dr. Taiwo Soneye, Dr. Oripeloye, Dr. Akande, Dr. Rotimi Taiwo, Dr. Olao others. May God Almighty bless you all. (Amen). iv © Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria For more information contact ir-help@oauife.edu.ng ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS My sincere appreciation goes to God Almighty, my creator, my helper, for His helping hands towards the successful completion of my programme. My profound gratitude first goes to my indefatigable supervisor Dr. K. A. Ayoola for his thorough, scholarly efforts, tireless advice and corrections towards the completion of this work. Permit me to say ‘A big thank you sir’. Sir, you are a father indeed. My utmost prayer is that God’s infinite mercy will be with you and your I am equally indebted to my parents, Mr. and Mrs. Babalola Rotimi, Mr. and Mrs. Rotimi s. Olawale Oluwabukunola, my lovely siblings Titilope, Toluwalope Babalola and Barr. Adetula Ayodeji. My special thanks also goes to my Pastors: Pastor Sanni, Pastor Douglas, and Pastor Adu who encouraged me in the course of this research. Also, the one Mr. Awoyale Ayobamidele Sylvester deserves my immeasurable debt of I wish to appreciate all my friends: Yagba Omoniyi, Olamisoji Tolulope, Salawu Olaoluwa David (Babaniwo), Mrs. Akarakiri Hephzibah, Olawuni Sunday, Akpati F will be incomplete without commending the efforts of some of my lecturers at the department who encouraged me in the course of this research, Dr. E.T.O. Babalola, Dr. Taiwo Soneye, Dr. Oripeloye, Dr. Akande, Dr. Rotimi Taiwo, Dr. Olaosun, Dr. Ayo Osisanwo, Dr. J.O. Ojo among May God Almighty bless you all. (Amen). My sincere appreciation goes to God Almighty, my creator, my helper, for His helping hands towards the successful completion of my programme. My profound gratitude first goes to my indefatigable supervisor Dr. K. A. Ayoola for his thorough, scholarly efforts, tireless advice say ‘A big thank you sir’. Sir, you are a father indeed. My utmost prayer is that God’s infinite mercy will be with you and your I am equally indebted to my parents, Mr. and Mrs. Babalola Rotimi, Mr. and Mrs. Rotimi s. Olawale Oluwabukunola, my lovely siblings Titilope, Toluwalope Babalola and Barr. Adetula Ayodeji. My special thanks also goes to my Pastors: Pastor Sanni, Pastor Douglas, and Pastor Adu who encouraged me in the course of this research. Also, the one Mr. Awoyale Ayobamidele Sylvester deserves my immeasurable debt of I wish to appreciate all my friends: Yagba Omoniyi, Olamisoji Tolulope, Salawu Olaoluwa David (Babaniwo), Mrs. Akarakiri Hephzibah, Olawuni Sunday, Akpati Frank. My appreciation will be incomplete without commending the efforts of some of my lecturers at the department who encouraged me in the course of this research, Dr. E.T.O. Babalola, Dr. Taiwo Soneye, Dr. sun, Dr. Ayo Osisanwo, Dr. J.O. Ojo among © Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile For more information contact Table of Contents Title Page Certification Authorization Acknowledgements Table of Contents Abstract CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION 1.1 Background to the Study 1.1.1 Students’ Associations at Obafemi Awolowo University 1.1.2 Critical Discourse Analysis 1.2 Aim and Objectives of the Study 1.3 Statement of the Problem 1.4 Significance of the study 1.5 Scope of the Study 1.6 Definition of Terms 1.7 Summary of Chapter One CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW 2.0 Introduction 2.1 Language and Identity 2.2 Language and Ideology 2.3 Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) v © Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria For more information contact ir-help@oauife.edu.ng TABLE OF CONTENTS INTRODUCTION Background to the Study Students’ Associations at Obafemi Awolowo University Critical Discourse Analysis Aim and Objectives of the Study Statement of the Problem Significance of the study Summary of Chapter One LITERATURE REVIEW Language and Identity Language and Ideology Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) Pages i ii iii iv v xiii 1 2 3 6 7 8 8 9 11 12 12 13 19 © Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile For more information contact 2.4 Systemic Functional Grammar (SFG) 2.5 The Interrelationship between CDA and SFG 2.6 Works on CDA 2.7 Mottos and Slogans 2.8 Summary of Chapter Two CHAPTER THREE: METHODOLOGY 3.0 Introduction 3.1 Description of the Populati 3.2 Data Collection 3.3 Method of Data Analysis 3.5 Theoretical Frame Work 3.5 Summary of Chapter Three CHAPTER FOUR: ANALYSIS OF DATA AND DISCUSSION 4.0 Introduction 4.1 Analysis of the Structure of the Selected Mottos 4.1.1 Mottos Realised as Groups 4.1.2 Mottos Realised as Clauses 4.1.3 Mottos Realised as Sentences 4.1.4 Mood in the Selected Mottos 4.1.5 Modality in Selected Mottos 4.1.6 Tense and Time Relation in the Selected Mottos 4.1.7 Aspect in the Selected Mottos 4.1.8 The use of Ellipsis in the Selected Mottos vi © Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria For more information contact ir-help@oauife.edu.ng Systemic Functional Grammar (SFG) tionship between CDA and SFG Summary of Chapter Two METHODOLOGY Description of the Population Sample Method of Data Analysis Theoretical Frame Work Summary of Chapter Three ANALYSIS OF DATA AND DISCUSSION Analysis of the Structure of the Selected Mottos Mottos Realised as Groups Mottos Realised as Clauses Mottos Realised as Sentences Mood in the Selected Mottos Modality in Selected Mottos Tense and Time Relation in the Selected Mottos Aspect in the Selected Mottos The use of Ellipsis in the Selected Mottos 25 28 31 33 35 36 36 37 37 38 39 40 40 40 46 48 53 55 55 56 57 © Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile For more information contact 4.1.9 The Use of Personal Pronouns 4.1.10 The Use of Foreign Expression 4.2 Critical Discourse Analysis of Departmental Associations’ Mottos 4.2.1 National Development 4.2.2 Service to Humanity 4.2.3 Preservation of the Environment 4.2.4 Promotion of Culture CHAPTER FIVE: SUMMARY OF FINDINGS AND CONCLUSION 5.1 Summary of Findings 5.2 Conclusion REFERENCES APPENDIX vii © Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria For more information contact ir-help@oauife.edu.ng The Use of Personal Pronouns The Use of Foreign Expression Critical Discourse Analysis of Departmental Associations’ Mottos National Development Service to Humanity Preservation of the Environment on of Culture SUMMARY OF FINDINGS AND CONCLUSION 58 59 60 60 70 83 86 SUMMARY OF FINDINGS AND CONCLUSION 89 88 92 102 © Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile For more information contact This study identified linguistic features of the mottos of departmental associations in Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile and related the ideological representations to the larger Nigerian university context. This was done with a view to critically analysing the mottos of selected departmental associations in the university. The study employed both primary and secondary mottos of students’ departmental associations at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile mottos were purposively selected for the study in view of their captivating phrases and clauses reflecting various ideological leanings. The data collected were from the associations’ notebooks, logos and signposts from different faculties in the university. The secondary data were analysed using Fairclough’s textual theory with insights from Halliday’s Systemic Functional Grammar. The results showed that phrases and clauses are prominent linguistic features in the departmental mottos. It also revealed that the on national development, service to humanity, preservation of the religion and culture. The results further showed that the ideological representations in the mottos could be linked to the larger Nigerian university context, and addressed the social inequality, injustice, discrimination, and po viii © Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria For more information contact ir-help@oauife.edu.ng ABSTRACT This study identified linguistic features of the mottos of departmental associations in Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife; described the underlying ideological issues in the mo and related the ideological representations to the larger Nigerian university context. This was done with a view to critically analysing the mottos of selected departmental associations in the The study employed both primary and secondary data. The primary data comprised fifty mottos of students’ departmental associations at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile mottos were purposively selected for the study in view of their captivating phrases and clauses al leanings. The data collected were from the associations’ notebooks, logos and signposts from different faculties in the university. The secondary data were analysed using Fairclough’s textual theory with insights from Halliday’s Systemic The results showed that phrases and clauses are prominent linguistic features in the departmental mottos. It also revealed that the underlying ideological issues in the mottos on national development, service to humanity, preservation of the environment, promotion of religion and culture. The results further showed that the ideological representations in the mottos could be linked to the larger Nigerian university context, and addressed the social inequality, injustice, discrimination, and power relation in the Nigerian society. This study identified linguistic features of the mottos of departmental associations in Ife; described the underlying ideological issues in the mottos, and related the ideological representations to the larger Nigerian university context. This was done with a view to critically analysing the mottos of selected departmental associations in the data. The primary data comprised fifty mottos of students’ departmental associations at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife. Fifty mottos were purposively selected for the study in view of their captivating phrases and clauses al leanings. The data collected were from the associations’ notebooks, logos and signposts from different faculties in the university. The secondary data were analysed using Fairclough’s textual theory with insights from Halliday’s Systemic The results showed that phrases and clauses are prominent linguistic features in the issues in the mottos centred environment, promotion of religion and culture. The results further showed that the ideological representations in the mottos could be linked to the larger Nigerian university context, and addressed the social inequality, © Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile For more information contact The study concluded that the mottos of departmental associations played important roles not only in stimulating people’s awareness about the associations but also i consciousness and social commi knowledge of language, hidden meanings in the mottos can be used to reveal the message of the associations. NAME OF SUPERVISOR: Dr. K. A. Ayoola NUMBER OF PAGES: 106 ix © Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria For more information contact ir-help@oauife.edu.ng concluded that the mottos of departmental associations played important roles not only in stimulating people’s awareness about the associations but also i consciousness and social commitment in the Nigerian society. It also showed that through hidden meanings in the mottos can be used to reveal the message of the NAME OF SUPERVISOR: Dr. K. A. Ayoola concluded that the mottos of departmental associations played important roles not only in stimulating people’s awareness about the associations but also in enhancing political . It also showed that through the hidden meanings in the mottos can be used to reveal the message of the © Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile For more information contact 1.1 Background to the Study Students’ associations are not new in the society. They enable the coming together of students with common interests, dedicated to social and organisational students’ community. Students’ association is one of the important parts of the university system. Due to large size of membership and differences of interests and career focus, the entire student body in higher institutions is usually common identities such as belonging to related academic fields like Sciences, Arts, and Social Sciences, among others. As a result, students automatically belong to departmental and faculty associations. This study mottos at Obafemi Awolowo University from their historical and contextual points of view. These associations of students having the same interests express their principles, goals or ideas with a br referred to as motto. Motto serves as the maxim that guides students’ conducts as members of their various associations; it portrays a unique spirit among them and reflects their ideologies. In addition, students’ associations' mottos can reveal the basic reasons behind the establishment of these associations, with linguistic and contextual clues that show the history and tradition of the associations. Since identifying with students’ assoc students, the mottos of these associations have played important roles not only in stimulating people’s awareness about the association, 1 © Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria For more information contact ir-help@oauife.edu.ng CHAPTER ONE GENERAL INTRODUCTION Background to the Study Students’ associations are not new in the society. They enable the coming together of students with common interests, dedicated to social and organisational students’ community. Students’ association is one of the important parts of the university system. Due to large size of membership and differences of interests and career focus, the body in higher institutions is usually broken down into smaller units, based on common identities such as belonging to related academic fields like Sciences, Arts, and Social Sciences, among others. As a result, students automatically belong to departmental and faculty associations. This study takes a look at the language ideologies of departmental mottos at Obafemi Awolowo University from their historical and contextual points of view. These associations of students having the same interests express their principles, goals or ideas with a brief statement (in form of a sentence, clause or phrase) which is referred to as motto. Motto serves as the maxim that guides students’ conducts as members of their various associations; it portrays a unique spirit among them and reflects their In addition, students’ associations' mottos can reveal the basic reasons behind the establishment of these associations, with linguistic and contextual clues that show the history and tradition of the associations. Since identifying with students’ associations has become a usual practice among students, the mottos of these associations have played important roles not only in stimulating wareness about the association, but also in enhancing political consciousness and Students’ associations are not new in the society. They enable the coming together of students with common interests, dedicated to social and organisational activities of the students’ community. Students’ association is one of the important parts of the university system. Due to large size of membership and differences of interests and career focus, the broken down into smaller units, based on common identities such as belonging to related academic fields like Sciences, Arts, and Social Sciences, among others. As a result, students automatically belong to departmental takes a look at the language ideologies of departmental mottos at Obafemi Awolowo University from their historical and contextual points of view. These associations of students having the same interests express their principles, ief statement (in form of a sentence, clause or phrase) which is referred to as motto. Motto serves as the maxim that guides students’ conducts as members of their various associations; it portrays a unique spirit among them and reflects their In addition, students’ associations' mottos can reveal the basic reasons behind the establishment of these associations, with linguistic and contextual clues that show the history iations has become a usual practice among students, the mottos of these associations have played important roles not only in stimulating but also in enhancing political consciousness and © Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile For more information contact social commitment. Therefor associations, using Norman Fairclough’s textual model of Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA), would add to the existing body of knowledge in language study, and also be of great interest and benefit to the society at large. Thus, this research briefly introduces the definitions, structures and functions of mottos, and then points out the similarities and differences between mottos and slogans. Also, this study undertakes a critical discourse analysis o the mottos, eliciting the underlying ideologies in them. It also attempts to check the consistencies of each of these associations with the general aim and objectives of University education in Nigeria. 1.1.1 Students’ Associations at Obafemi Awolowo University Students’ associations within the Nigerian university system are no longer new. The associations protect the interest of their members. Run by students elected or appointed into different positions, though, at ti provide platforms for students to relate, participa themselves for the future. This helps them to display their leadership and administrative acumen. However, authorities in higher institutions expect the associations’ executives to be mature and responsible since they serve as crucial link between the students and the authorities. The students' associations therefore enjoy support from the authorities, and their alumni. Mumby (1987) notes that language is a principal means by which institutions create a coherent social reality that frames their sense of who they are. In this effect, language becomes a tool for mediating power relations and al 2 © Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria For more information contact ir-help@oauife.edu.ng social commitment. Therefore, a critical discourse analysis of the mottos of these associations, using Norman Fairclough’s textual model of Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA), would add to the existing body of knowledge in language study, and also be of great the society at large. Thus, this research briefly introduces the definitions, structures and functions of mottos, and then points out the similarities and differences between mottos and slogans. Also, this study undertakes a critical discourse analysis of the linguistic features deployed in the mottos, eliciting the underlying ideologies in them. It also attempts to check the consistencies of each of these associations with the general aim and objectives of University Associations at Obafemi Awolowo University Students’ associations within the Nigerian university system are no longer new. The associations protect the interest of their members. Run by students elected or appointed into different positions, though, at times, with the supervision of lecturers, students' associations provide platforms for students to relate, participate in extra-academic activities, themselves for the future. This helps them to display their leadership and administrative owever, authorities in higher institutions expect the associations’ executives to be mature and responsible since they serve as crucial link between the students and the authorities. The students' associations therefore enjoy support from the authorities, Mumby (1987) notes that language is a principal means by which institutions create a coherent social reality that frames their sense of who they are. In this effect, language becomes a tool for mediating power relations and also identity construction. This e, a critical discourse analysis of the mottos of these associations, using Norman Fairclough’s textual model of Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA), would add to the existing body of knowledge in language study, and also be of great Thus, this research briefly introduces the definitions, structures and functions of mottos, and then points out the similarities and differences between mottos and slogans. f the linguistic features deployed in the mottos, eliciting the underlying ideologies in them. It also attempts to check the consistencies of each of these associations with the general aim and objectives of University Students’ associations within the Nigerian university system are no longer new. The associations protect the interest of their members. Run by students elected or appointed into lecturers, students' associations academic activities, and build themselves for the future. This helps them to display their leadership and administrative owever, authorities in higher institutions expect the associations’ executives to be mature and responsible since they serve as crucial link between the students and the authorities. The students' associations therefore enjoy support from the authorities, lecturers Mumby (1987) notes that language is a principal means by which institutions create a coherent social reality that frames their sense of who they are. In this effect, so identity construction. This © Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile For more information contact explains the role of language in the creation of mottos. The language used by the students’ associations for creating their mottos form part of the discourse that becomes shared in the institution as a community practice. Lan self, and to distinguish self Since mottos reveal the guiding principles of human groups, it is a common phenomenon among students’ associations. Although mottos of associations are mostly formed by the first set of the executives, pioneer lecturers or influential persons at the earliest periods of the association, there is always room for a change or modification as the need arises. Students’ associations use their mottos for a number of p can be: moulding of the associations’ image, creation of a sense of belonging, arousing feelings of loyalty and commitment among its members. In addition, mottos can be used as a means of solidarity with academic movements globally. channels and representation tools, providing political, social and cultural trademark for the societies in which they are used. Therefore, through a critical consideration of the linguistic paradigmatic and syntagmatic forms employed in the construction of a particular motto, it can be deduced that the message the associations pass across can be understood by others, and can also be used to discover the objectives of the associations, which portray them and distinguish us. Going by this, departmental mottos of Obafemi Awolowo University, for instance, can be said to have reflected self superb tendencies, unique skills specialisation, social viability 1.1.2 Critical Discourse Analysis 3 © Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria For more information contact ir-help@oauife.edu.ng explains the role of language in the creation of mottos. The language used by the students’ associations for creating their mottos form part of the discourse that becomes shared in the institution as a community practice. Language use in associations’ mottos helps to identify self from others. Since mottos reveal the guiding principles of human groups, it is a common phenomenon among students’ associations. Although mottos of associations are mostly formed by the first set of the executives, pioneer lecturers or influential persons at the earliest periods of the association, there is always room for a change or modification as the need arises. Students’ associations use their mottos for a number of p can be: moulding of the associations’ image, creation of a sense of belonging, arousing feelings of loyalty and commitment among its members. In addition, mottos can be used as a means of solidarity with academic movements globally. They are means of communication, channels and representation tools, providing political, social and cultural trademark for the societies in which they are used. Therefore, through a critical consideration of the linguistic paradigmatic and orms employed in the construction of a particular motto, it can be deduced that the message the associations pass across can be understood by others, and can also be used to discover the objectives of the associations, which portray them and distinguish . Going by this, departmental mottos of Obafemi Awolowo University, for instance, can be said to have reflected self-identification and promotion, as possessing high productivity, superb tendencies, unique skills specialisation, social viability and relevance, among others. Critical Discourse Analysis explains the role of language in the creation of mottos. The language used by the students’ associations for creating their mottos form part of the discourse that becomes shared in the guage use in associations’ mottos helps to identify Since mottos reveal the guiding principles of human groups, it is a common phenomenon among students’ associations. Although mottos of associations are mostly formed by the first set of the executives, pioneer lecturers or influential persons at the earliest periods of the association, there is always room for a change or modification as the need arises. Students’ associations use their mottos for a number of purposes, part of which can be: moulding of the associations’ image, creation of a sense of belonging, arousing feelings of loyalty and commitment among its members. In addition, mottos can be used as a They are means of communication, channels and representation tools, providing political, social and cultural trademark for the Therefore, through a critical consideration of the linguistic paradigmatic and orms employed in the construction of a particular motto, it can be deduced that the message the associations pass across can be understood by others, and can also be used to discover the objectives of the associations, which portray them and distinguish them from . Going by this, departmental mottos of Obafemi Awolowo University, for instance, can identification and promotion, as possessing high productivity, and relevance, among others. © Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile For more information contact Fairclough (2014) notes that critical discourse analysis is concerned with how power is exercised through language. He explored the imbrications between language and social For more information, please contact 4 © Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria For more information contact ir-help@oauife.edu.ng Fairclough (2014) notes that critical discourse analysis is concerned with how power is exercised through language. He explored the imbrications between language and social For more information, please contact ir-help@oauife.edu.ng Fairclough (2014) notes that critical discourse analysis is concerned with how power is exercised through language. He explored the imbrications between language and social