Special English Language Use in the Nigerian Air Force Base, Kaduna

Abstract

This study focuses on analysing the linguistic features of the special variety of English used at the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Base Kaduna, employing Halliday’s Register analysis as our theoretical framework. Through a corpus of twelve expressions selected through purposive sampling within the NAF domains, the research identifies and explores the linguistic dimensions of military communication using the contextual tools of field, tenor, and mode of discourse. The findings reveal that context influences the usage, interpretation, and relevance of special military expressions, ensuring effective communication, maintaining order, and fostering group cohesion among speakers in the military environment. The paper also emphasizes the importance of employing Halliday's register analysis for comprehending the unique features of the military register within the Nigerian Air Force settings.