THE FUNCTIONS OF NATIONAL ANTHEMS, A THEMATIC ANALYSIS OF THE CHADIAN AND CAMEROONIAN NATIONAL ANTHEMS

Abstract

This paper is about the analysis of the Cameroonian and Chadian national Anthems from a systemic functional perspective, notably on the basis of the theory of textual meaning: Theme. This theory is coined by Halliday and Matthiessen (2004). The two national anthems are referred to as Text 1 and Text 2, respectively. The analysis of linguistic data is carried out using both the quantitative and qualitative research method principles; thus, the article adopts the mixed research method. Actually, the texts have been split into analyzable units called clauses and the aforementioned research methods have been applied to them so as to find out the functions officiated by the national anthems of Cameroon and Chad. The results disclose an abundant occurrence of topical Themes followed by interpersonal ones both in Text 1 and 2. These have highlighted fundamental functions of patriotism, unity and work in a general context of right and wise attitudes to enhance peace and harmony. The values encoded in the national anthems of Cameroon and Chad must be actualized if these countries are to develop.