A Critical Discourse Analysis of Turn Taking on Political Comments on X(twitter)

ABSTRACT

This study explores the dynamics of turn-taking in political discourse on Twitter through the lens of Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA). Drawing from discourse-analytical frameworks by Fairclough (1992) and van Dijk (1998), the project examines how Twitter users engage in political conversations, negotiate meaning, and assert ideological positions in comment threads. By focusing on the often overlooked interactional patterns in replies, mentions, and quote tweets, the research highlights how users construct power relations, resist dominant narratives, and reinforce group identities within the constraints of digital space.
The data comprises purposively selected Twitter comment threads from trending political events involving Nigerian political figures between 2023 and 2024. Using a qualitative discourse-analytical approach, the study identifies recurring structures in how turns are taken, interrupted, or contested especially in relation to politeness strategies, identity construction, and discourse coherence. Particular attention is paid to the performative role of hashtags, emojis, and digital affordances such as likes and retweets, which influence the flow and perception of discourse turns.
Findings suggest that Twitter conversations are characterized by a fluid, non-linear form of turn-taking that defies traditional models of face-to-face interaction. Instead of strict sequentiality, users employ strategic delays, overlapping responses, and indirect references to claim turns or subvert others. This mode of interaction is deeply shaped by sociopolitical allegiances, with turn-taking often serving as a tool for rhetorical combat, sarcasm, or solidarity within polarized groups.
Ultimately, this study contributes to a better understanding of how political discourse operates in online public spheres, where turn-taking is not merely a matter of conversational order but a vehicle for ideological contestation. It reinforces the value of CDA in unpacking digital interactions and opens up further inquiry into how micro-level linguistic choices reflect broader sociopolitical tensions in contemporary society.