Examining the Effects of Language Misuse and Hate Speech on Individuals and Corporate Organisations

The effects of language misuse and hate speech are seemingly neglected. This study explores the effects of language misuse and hate speech on individuals and corporate organisations. It relied on questionnaire data from 400 respondents across Anambra, Enugu, Ebonyi, and Abia States, as well as observation and library and internet print materials for both primary and secondary data. Survey design and mixed methods along with plausible tools are used. The analysis proves that language misuse and hate speech, which correlate significantly, have some adverse effects on individuals and corporate organisations. The effects are linguistic, social, psychological and otherwise. The study concludes that hate speech is a manifestation of language misuse. It recommends operational legislation, language-based and technology-driven techniques, and stringent and strategic measures as the panacea.