Hate Speech and the Expression of Stereotypes as Products of Social Cognition in Nigeria

Abstract

Culture varies and is ingrained in community members, resulting in the creation of group identity and possibly a sense of superiority. This can lead to inter-group clashes, hate speech
and the expression of stereotypes with dire implications for nation-building. Data were excerpted from nine dialogic threads from four Facebook groups with a socio-political agenda from Nigeria’s ethno-religious divides. The study is based on Kecskés’ (2014) sociocognitive theory which focuses on how information about a social issue is communicated from the speakers’ perspective, and the common worldview of their group. An evaluation of lexico-pragmatic indications and the cultural factors behind their enactment, shows that hate speech and stereotypes are products of a culture’s shared knowledge and beliefs, group ideals, and societal preferences which highlight the variation in worldviews that are used in creating ethnic identities and explain why group actions are influenced by different religious beliefs; why ethnocentric groups project what they consider as ideal; and why culturedriven values are attached to set-goals. An understanding of these cultural factors behind hate speech and stereotypes is crucial in understanding and preventing the use of hurtful language.