METAPHORICAL OPTICS OF INSECURITY IN SELECTED NIGERIAN PRINT MEDIA

Abstract

The study delves into the metaphorical optics employed in selected
Nigerian print media to depict insecurity, drawing upon Lakoff and
Johnson's Conceptual Metaphor Theory and Sperber and Wilson's
Relevance Theory. Data were derived from three purposively selected
Nigerian newspapers based on popularity, readership, availability and
expansive space for insecurity discourse especially in their editorial
and opinion columns. These editorials and opinions were those
published between the years 2020 and 2023. Through a qualitative
analysis, the research unveils prevalent metaphorical constructs,
including combative human beings, diseases, wild animals, and
businesses, to illustrate and contextualize insecurity in Nigeria. In the
metaphorical optic of the "combative human being," the media
portrays conflicts and tensions akin to interpersonal disputes,
emphasizing the human element in insecurity dynamics. Diseases, as
metaphors for insecurity, signify the pervasive and potentially
contagious nature of the threats, highlighting the need for urgent
containment and intervention. Wild animal metaphors depict
insecurity as a predatory force, with corrupt practices, terrorism, and
instability. The business metaphorical optic underscores insecurity as
an illicit enterprise, portraying criminal networks. The findings
contribute to a nuanced comprehension of the metaphorical optics of
insecurity, offering insights for media discourse, policy formulation,
and public understanding.