An investigation into the use of personal pronouns in political discourse – a study of inaugural addresses of two Ghanaian presidents.
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Date
2018-06
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KNUST
Abstract
This study examined personal pronoun choices in the inaugural addresses of two presidents in Ghana. The main focus of the study was to determine the references of personal pronouns used in the speeches as well as to determine relationships that were established in the speeches by the use of personal pronouns. The theory of indexicality as explained by Kaplan (1989a) was the main framework used to support this study. The qualitative research design was the main approach used in the study. The results suggest that politicians create various identities of themselves and others through the exploitation of personal pronouns. Personal pronouns were contextually exploited in terms of genericness, definiteness and specificity suggesting both inclusive and exclusive use of the pronouns. The study then explored social meanings and attitudes such as political ideologies, power, identity and statesmanship in the speeches. This research is expected to be useful in universities and international educational organizations to generate better insights into grammar and semantics in other fields of study.
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A Dissertation In Partial Fulfillment Of The Requirements For Award Of The Master Of Philosophy (English) Degree.