Proverbs and other implicit forms of speech in Akan radio panel discussions

Abstract

This thesis discusses the use of indirect speech in Akan radio paneldiscussions. This work employs the use of a contemporary approach in its analysis.This contemporary approach is Relevance Theory as propounded by Dan Sperber andDeirdre Wilson. This thesis also relates to Face Theory and the principle of politenessas presented by Penelope Brown and Stephen C. Levinson to find out the reasonswhy panellists in radio discussions sometimes prefer to be indirect in theirutterances.

Chapter 1 deals with the introduction of the thesis where the goals andmotivation for this work are stated. The methods and theoretical framework as wellas the language used for the analysis are also introduced.

Chapter 2 discusses the use and understanding of indirect speech in Akanradio programmes. It presents the results of the fieldwork in Ghana and gives tabularpresentations of the results.

In Chapter 3, examples of my data in Akan are analyzed using Relevancetheoretic principles with much discussions on how addressees are either able toarrive at the intended interpretations or not.

Chapter 4 focuses on the social perspective of indirect speech by discussingFace Theory and the principle of politeness. In that chapter, I relate this theory andits principles to indirect speech in Akan radio panel discussion.

Chapter 5 summarises and concludes the whole thesis.