A Pragmatic Study of the Language Boko-Haram Insurgents

This is a pragmatic study of the language of Boko-Haram insurgents in Borno State. It aims at providing practical insights of the speech acts expressions use by the insurgents. The theoretical framework adopted for the study is Austin (1962) Speech Acts Theory where focuses on three pillars, namely, Locutionary, Illocutionary and Perlocutionary acts. Framework bridging was also observed from Searle (1969) that include: Directives, Assertives, Declaratives, Expressives and Commisives. The approach for this study involves a qualitative research method that allowed us gather in-depth information and understanding of the complex dynamics of the speech acts expressions used by the insurgents. The methodology involves unstructured interview. The conversations with the interviewee were recorded. The data were collected by visiting Boko-Haram repentant camps. The camps visited include: Borno Hajj Camp and 21 Armored Brigade Garrison Giwa Barrack in Maiduguri, where the repentant insurgents are domiciled. Some of the findings as registered by the study could be observed in the following: Yau kowa ya shirya, karfe goma na dare akwai zama da Rijalul'amn.