SLOGANS OF IRAQI DEMONSTRATIONS: A SEMANTIC STUDY

Abstract

          This research presents a study in semantics that examines some selected slogans which are taken from Iraqi demonstrations of 2015 against corruption and the corrupt. The study aims at understanding how demonstrators use language to express their dissatisfaction with the corrupt. The study also aims to illustrate the goals, demands, and issues raised in the slogans. The research adopts Leech's (1981) Semantics: The Study of Meaning in order to solve the problem of the study and serve its purposes. Based on the analysis of data, the study finds out that there is a direct shift in the Iraqi society, a shift from submissive society to that of disobedient society to the ruler. The analysis has proven that demonstrators present themselves as innocent, poor, and affected people by a group of corrupt politicians. The study also concludes that demonstrators use political, revolutionary, and Islamic figures as symbols of hope and inspiration in order to encourage the people to stand against the corrupt politicians. Iraqi people used language in the form of slogans to encourage themselves and to challenge the corrupt. This research is a clear example that shows people and students how language is powerful and can be used as a tool to challenge power represented by oppressive and corruptive dictators.