Unveiling language’s role in conflict discourse: A textual analysis of black November and its implications for violence prevention

Abstract

Language plays a critical role in shaping conflict dynamics, yet its contribution to violence escalation in media representations remains underexplored. This study investigates how language constructs, reinforces, and escalates conflict in the Nigerian film Black November to identify communicative patterns that can inform violence prevention strategies. Guided by Gurr's Relative Deprivation and Frustration–Aggression Theory, the study adopted a qualitative textual analysis of Black November, which was purposively selected for its portrayal of the Niger Delta conflict. Using open and axial coding, the analysis identified recurring patterns associated with conflict discourse. The findings reveal linguistic aggression as the dominant communicative pattern, manifested through various forms of intimidation, provocation, and manipulation. These patterns demonstrate that persistent experiences of marginalization, perceived injustice, and unequal power relations intensify frustration and contribute to the escalation of violence. The analysis further shows that language functions not only as a reflection of socio-political tensions but also as a mechanism that legitimizes conflict, mobilizes resistance, and shapes collective responses to oppression. By illustrating the relationship between discourse and violence, this study extends conflict communication scholarship and demonstrates the value of qualitative textual analysis for identifying early warning indicators of violence in media texts. The findings offer practical insights for policymakers, peacebuilding practitioners, communication professionals, and conflict prevention stakeholders seeking to develop discourse-based interventions that promote social cohesion, violence prevention, and sustainable peacebuilding in conflict-affected societies.