AN ANALYSIS OF THE SIGNIFICANCE OF FAIRCLOUGH’S (2001) CDA THEORY ON THE 2ND UPDATE OF PRESIDENT NANA ADDO DANKWA AKUFFO ADDO ON THE MEASURES TAKEN TO COMBAT THE SPREAD OF CORONAVIRUS

Grant Essuman, Sandra Mensah Obeng

Abstract


This study aims to analyze the significance of Fairclough’s (2001) CDA theory on the 2nd update of President Akuffo Addo on the measures taken to combat the spread of the coronavirus. The study employed a qualitative approach and a textual analysis design. The study found that the President employed various linguistic items in his speech, such as discourse markers, deixis, and modality. He used these linguistic items to show power relations, grab the attention of the Ghanaian people, and create coherence in his speech. It was also found that he used words like “thank you”, “fellow Ghanaians”, etc., to promote inclusivity and to minimize division among the citizens. Lastly, the text was first-hand information by the president himself, distributed across the nation via media platforms, and consumed by Ghanaians in a variety of ways. It is concluded that Fairclough’s (2001) CDA uncovers the hidden meanings and ideologies in the text and reveals how language choices influence public perception, support existing social structures, and foster a more critical understanding of the discourse surrounding the 2nd COVID-19 update.

 

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political speech, Coronavirus, Fairclough’s (2001) CDA, Ghana

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References


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DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.46827/ejel.v10i1.6014

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