The Paradox of the Quest for Global Peace and the Linguistic Violence of some Countriesa National Anthems: A Critical Discourse Perspective

Abstract

It is axiomatic that the United Nations basically symbolizes peace and unity which member states or nations are expected to epitomize. Paradoxically, the anthems of many nations exhibit linguistic violence and rationalize or encourage using arms, shedding blood, going to war and paying supreme sacrifice. For example, we have expressions like "Hurry to arms people of Boyamo", "To arms citizens! Form your battalions", "War war! Soak our homeland's flag in the wave of blood", "Let us form cohorts, we are ready to die", "we will drink from death and never be to our enemies like slaves", "Our flag red with blood of victory, let us hasten to the battlefield", "Arise Togo! Let us struggle without faltering, victory or death but dignity" and "We will be risen with weapons in our hands. Death, yes death but not shame" in the national anthems of Cuba, France, Mexico, Italy, Iraq, Vietnam, Togo and Senegal respectively. This paper identifies the linguistic violence of some countries' national anthems, attempts a Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) of the various forms of linguistic violence identified and suggests a linguistic overhaul of the affected countries' anthems. This is to discourage a situation where anthems that should be instrumental to societal tranquillity and harmony now encourage violent acts and attacks.