Theses and dissertations (Arts and Design)
Permanent URI for this collectionhttp://ir-dev.dut.ac.za/handle/10321/8
Browse
2 results
Search Results
Item A ciritical deconstruction of political discource and symbols : the case of (mis)representation and manipulation in Nigerian politics(2018) Oparinde, 'Kunle Musbaudeen; Rapeane-Mathonsi, Ernestina Maleshoane; Mheta, GiftUsing Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) and Multimodal Discourse Analysis (MDA), this study deconstructs political discourse obtained from the Nigerian political arena. Employing a qualitative research method, where a case-study design is engaged, the study examines linguistic (mis)representation and manipulation in Nigerian political settings, drawing from instances of linguistic and symbolic materials, as observed from different political endeavours. The study discusses the use of language in Nigerian politics, in an attempt to understand how discourse and symbols are used to manipulate the masses, as well as (mis)represent the politicians. I investigate how language is used by politicians to gain more audience, and, as a result, shape opinions that result in votes. Several themes were developed in the analysis. Important themes are represented in a Wordle analysis. The Wordle analysis presents actual keywords that emanated from the scrutinising of collected data. Linguistic items, such as corruption, Boko Haram, insecurity, power, and support, as well as fight, and God among others, are evident in the Wordle representation. The study realized that manipulation in political discourse could be achieved through different means, such as: through service delivery; religion; situation of the nation; and crafty linguistic expressions; along with ethnic influence; and visuals. Furthermore, the research identified the notion of intertextuality as having a strong hold in political discourse through resemiotisation, repurposing, recontextualisation and recycling of texts. I confirmed that power resides within discourse and as such, discourse can be used to achieve several goals. The work demonstrated how politicians exploit political messages to achieve their political aims using both lexical and visual means. I strongly contend that discourse is powerful, and thus, has the ability to exploit and influence people. Importantly, the study proposed a theoretical model or framework for the analysis of misrepresentation and manipulation in political discourse, as well as other forms of discourse.Item A comparative socio-semiotic perspective of invectives in isiZulu and Yoruba languages(2016) Oparinde, 'Kunle Musbaudeen; Makhubu, R.L.; Bariki, I.The diversified ways of language use in different geographic areas of the world present valid reasons for the study of various usages of language. Invectives are a major aspect of language that have been greatly neglected in intellectual discourse. Motivated by the paucity of academic literature on invective-related studies and other stereotypes in human communication, the thrust of this work is to discuss the socio-cultural factors embedded in the two cultures in their approach of invectives. The study examines a comparative taxonomy of invectives in isiZulu and Yoruba languages from a socio-semiotic perspective. Drawing examples from the two languages, the study explores instances of semiotic analysis that are created by the assumption that signs, utterances and messages are situated within the context of social relations and processes. The study indicates that invectives are context and culture-dependent and may be perceived differently in line with the field of discourse, tenor of discourse and mode of discourse. The research tools included observation, interviews, and archival materials. Our research also identified and classified pre-assigned invectives, ritualized insult chants, innovative songs and visual insults. Adeosun’s (2012) proposed model of analyzing written poetry in Yoruba was used in analyzing the insults. The following typologies of insults (among others) were observed in the two languages: ethnophaulism, dehumanization, sexotypes and body parts. The study reveals striking similarities and differences in the invective-related discourses of isiZulu and Yoruba.