Linguistic Patterns and Thematic Representations in Conference Posters and Handbills of Nigerian Tertiary Institutions

Abstract

This study investigates the linguistic patterns and thematic structures of conference themes in Nigerian tertiary institutions through the lens of Systemic Functional Linguistics (SFL), focusing specifically on the ideational metafunction. The research explores how language is employed to shape academic discourse, reflect disciplinary priorities, and align with global intellectual trends. A purposive sampling method was adopted, and data were collected from 50 conference posters and handbills gathered between 2020 and 2025 from ten Nigerian tertiary institutions representing diverse academic fields, including humanities, social sciences, education, engineering, and health sciences. The analysis reveals that nominalization is a dominant linguistic feature, lending themes a formal and conceptually dense tone, as seen in expressions like “Governance and Development” and “Multilingualism and Nation-Building.” Material processes (e.g., “Advancing Research,” “Enhancing Innovation”) emphasize progress and transformation, while relational processes (e.g., “Language, Power, and Society”) establish conceptual connections. Thematic focus varies by discipline, while humanities and social sciences often engage with identity and governance, themes in engineering and technology emphasize sustainability and innovation. A notable trend is the alignment of themes with international discourses such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), underscoring institutional efforts to position themselves within global academic conversations. The study recommends that institutions strike a balance between formal expression and accessibility, and encourages the inclusion of cognitive and evaluative structures to promote engagement. These findings contribute to our understanding of how language constructs academic identity and drives scholarly communication. Future research may compare regional and linguistic patterns in academic promotional discourse.