Abstract

This study examines the nature of the morale-boosting songs and chant of soldiers of the 14 Brigade Army Barracks in Ohafia, Abia State, Nigeria. The data used for the analysis of this study are drawn from the songs and chants from fatigue exercises of officers and soldiers in 14 Brigade Barracks. Using Fairclough’s model of discourse analysis, this research argues that the language register among men of the Nigerian Army in the aforesaid barracks is derived from a triadic component arising from: the corrupting of certain language words and subjects, intrusion of indigenous verbs and adverbs; and economy of words to boost or heighten the spirits of soldiers. The article contends that the lyrics of the songs and chants, beyond entertaining to officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army, displays soldiers’ assumed power over fear, death, fear of death and death by fear. The conclusion reached is that the songs and chants of soldiers during fatigue exercises is goal oriented and subtly defy rank especially during military gyrations.

Authors and Affiliations