Year: 1997
Type: dissertation
Abstract: The drama of Senkatana by S.M. Mofokeng is analysed by applying principles provided \nby speech act theory, using as basis the explication of the theory by Bach and Harnish \n(1979). The socio-cultural context in the play has as its starting point the realm of myth \nand legend. From here all categories of relationships within the protagonist/antagonist \nencounter unfold, as do opposing sets of contextual beliefs characters rely on; these are \nprimarily responsible for the growing conflict in the drama. Enhancing the mythical \ncharacter of the play is the absorbing role played by the diboni, acting as seers, as \nprophets and as additional 'authorial voice'. Their and those of other characters' speech \nacts reflect this and more; they operate in a substantiated sign-system which provides \na framework for evaluating each semiotic act from locutionary, illocutionary and \nperlocutionary dimensions of meaning. \nChapter 1 comprises a historical survey of studies on speech act theory, and includes \na brief summary of the position of the theory in the field of semiotics. The micro speech \nact analysis of the play is facilitated by the division of the text into smaller action units \n(summarised in Addendum 1). \nChapter 2, containing the greater part of the exposition, commences the narration of \nthe folktale and offers a clear rendering of the epic rise of the hero. Chapter 3 portrays \nthe rise and progress of the antagonists challenging the hero, coupled with intensifying \nanxiety among the protagonists. Chapter 4 provides a vivid overview of how the values \nof the hero triumph over those of the antagonist despite the physical slaying of the hero. \nChapter 5 offers a graphic outline of how the macro speech act is accomplished in the \nplay. It is shown how an investigation of the speech act profiles of characters, coupled \nwith the evaluation of illocutionary tactics and illocutionary/perlocutionary dynamics, \ncommunicates significant information pertaining to characterisation. A graph illustrating \nthe rise and fall of micro speech acts within the larger macro speech act is provided in \nAddendum 2. Suggestions are made regarding future research in literary texts.
Author: L. J. Kock
Language: English
Subfield: Language and Linguistics
Field: Arts and Humanities
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W1962680999