Abstract
Religious discourse thrives through language as a tool for conveying biblical truths, shaping beliefs, and inspiring action. Bishop David Oyedepo (BDO), a prominent Nigerian preacher, is known for his dynamic use of language in preaching. This study investigates Implicature and Entailment in BDO’s preaching messages, revealing how these pragmatic features express deeper meanings and influence listeners’ comprehension. Engaging a qualitative approach, the study analysed three sermons delivered by Bishop Oyedepo and sourced from the YouthAliveFT YouTube channel (2024). The sermons were transcribed, drawing on scholars’ 2000 – present developments and reinterpretations of Grice’s (1989) Cooperative Principle, implicature theory, and the theory of semantic entailment. A total of sixteen implicature statements and seventeen entailment statements were analysed. Findings revealed that Oyedepo frequently uses metaphors, scriptural references, and contextual cues to reinforce biblical principles and communicate profound truths. The study concludes that Bishop Oyedepo’s use of implicature and entailment enriches his message and deepens audience engagement.
Keywords: Language, Pragmatics, Implicature, Entailment, Sermons
DOI: 10.36349/sojolics.2026.v02i01.030
author/Ehibor, O. J., Ogoh, V. O., & Odukoya, J. A.
journal/Sokoto JOLICS 2(1) | June 2026 |
