Language Choice and Conflict Aggravation in Mangu and Bokkos Local Government Areas

Jacob Ado Ama; Joseph Nuhu Azi; Blessing Sainaan Lagan

doi:10.56201/ijelcs.vol.10.no4.2025.pg64.72

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Language Choice and Conflict Aggravation in Mangu and Bokkos Local Government Areas

Jacob Ado Ama, Joseph Nuhu Azi, Blessing Sainaan Lagan

Abstract

Inter-communal violence has recurrently disrupted communal living to the extent of causing destruction of lives and properties in Plateau state. Mangu and Bokkos local governments are two communities that have suffered from this mayhem. Several approaches have been explored by government, groups and individuals to curb the reoccurrence of conflict but not much success have been attained. They include civil discussions, military intervention, religious discussions, setting up of judicial commissions of enquiry, media activities, enlightenment campaigns and community policing etc. This research is therefore intended mainly to establish how the language choice and mode of expression of thought, which may be ethnic to the people, can aggravate conflict in the area. This is executed by examining the nature of conflict in Mangu and Bokkos LGAs, investigating the language psychology of the people, determining the extent to which speakers’ choice of language can instigate and perpetuate conflict in the LGAs, and suggest how language consciousness can be instrumental in conflict resolution in the communities within the local governments. The theoretical approach to this research is Functional Linguistics. This theory examines language use from a functional perspective. It studies language in terms of communication, expression of feelings, apology, creating peace etc.

Keywords

ConflictLanguage ChoiceCrisisMangu and Bokkos

References

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Language Choice and Conflict Aggravation in Mangu and Bokkos Local Government Areas

Abstract

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