An Analytical Study of Hausa Language Use in Nigerian Political Party Manifestos

Political party manifestos are critical documents of democratic communication that, when produced in Hausa, must navigate the challenges of translating complex policy language into accessible political communication for Hausa-reading electorates. This study analyses the linguistic characteristics of Hausa-language versions of political party manifestos for the 2023 Nigerian general election, examining translation quality, political framing, accessibility, and the rhetorical construction of political promises. A critical discourse and translation analysis design was employed, comparing the Hausa and English versions of manifestos from four major political parties that produced bilingual documents. Analysis examined translation accuracy and ideological shifts, formality level, use of Islamic framing, political promise rhetoric, and lexical accessibility to non-expert readers. Readability assessment tools adapted for Hausa text were applied, and a sample of 80 politically engaged Hausa voters assessed manifesto comprehension and credibility. Findings reveal that Hausa manifesto translations frequently employ more elevated and formal register than their English source texts, potentially reducing accessibility for target audiences. Islamically framed political language is systematically more prevalent in Hausa versions than in English versions, suggesting audience-specific framing strategies. Translation accuracy varies significantly between parties, with some manifesto sections showing substantial meaning shifts or omissions in the Hausa version. Voter comprehension testing reveals that policy content sections are significantly less well understood than aspirational and identity-affirming sections. Recommendations address development of plain language guidelines for Hausa political communication and civic monitoring of manifesto translation quality. Keywords: Hausa political language, Manifestos, Critical discourse analysis, Election communication, Translation.