This is a pragmatic study that explores the relationship between language and society. The study aims to analyse the phenomenon called address-terms performed by the main characters in the selected English dramas "Ruined" and "A Raisin in the Sun". This study has four main objectives. It wants to detect the main types of addressing-terms used by the characters in these dramas as well as their functions. Furthermore, it analyses the factors affecting their selection by the characters and the difference between the two genres, modern and classical, and effect in using the address-terms.
The theoretical framework that has been employed in the data-analysis is the "Communication Accommodation Theory". The type of adjustment whether convergence or divergence as well as the way its components affect the communication, and the strategies that are used for adjusting are analysed. This study employs the mixed content-analysis method since the data underlying the study are books and documents.
Moreover, the findings are presented in the narrative form and tables with numbers and percentages to support the analysis. The results show the great connection between the address terms that are used, the "Communication Accommodation Theory", and the themes of the two plays.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Aim
2.1 Research Questions
2.2 Hypotheses
3. The Theoretical Framework of the Study
3.1 Types of Address Terms
3.2 Communication Accommodation Theory(CAT)
4. Themes of the Plays
4.1 Ruined
4.2 A Raisin in the Sun
5. Methodology and Data-Analysis
5.1 The Data
5.2 The Procedure of Data-Analysis
5.3 Data Analysis and Interpretation
6. Types of Address Terms Used by the Main Characters Addressing Other Characters in Ruined
6.1 Types of Address Terms Performed by Mama Nadi
6.1.1 Title + Last Name
6.1.2 Neutral Terms
6.2 Types of Address Terms Performed by Christian
6.2.1 Kinship Terms
6.2.2 Neutral Terms
7. Types of Address Terms Performed by the Main Characters Addressing Other characters in A Raisin in the Sun
7.1 Types of Address Terms Performed by Lena Younger
7.1.1 Title
7.2 Types of Address Terms Performed by Ruth Younger
7.2.1 Kinship Term
7.3 Types of Address Terms Performed by Walter Younger
7.3.1 Nickname
8. Conclusions
9. Bibliography
Objectives and Topics
This study aims to investigate the functions and types of address terms (ATs) used by main characters in the selected modern dramas "Ruined" and "A Raisin in the Sun," exploring their connection to the plays' themes and the interpersonal relationships of the characters through the lens of Communication Accommodation Theory.
- Pragmatic analysis of linguistic address terms in modern drama.
- Application of Communication Accommodation Theory (CAT) to literary dialogue.
- Examination of social status and power dynamics reflected in character speech.
- Exploration of thematic connections between address terms and social issues like war, racism, and marginalization.
- Comparative analysis of address term usage across different cultural and social contexts within the plays.
Excerpt from the Book
Title + Last Name
TLN is often used by people in their daily conversations. Some types of addressing terms have different implications, indicating either equality or inequality between people. For example, people who have high status usually receive TLN when they are being addressed by people who have a lower status. An example of TLN used by Mama Nadi is as follows:
SOPHIE: Mama!
MAMA (Entering from off, annoyed): Why are you calling me?!
You know I'm busy.
(Mama stops short when she sees Osembenga. She conjures a a warm smile.)
(Surprised)Commander Osembenga. Karibu. (Nervously)
We ... how are you?
(II.iv.81)
In this example, Mama annoyingly shouts at Sophie as she is calling upon her loudly as the evil commander Osembenga enters the bar at Mama's place. Mama enters and greets the Commander nervously, anxiously glancing at the door., and rushes her girl to hospitalize him, bringing him a cold beer and a pack of cigarettes. There would be trouble if the rebel leader returned. The Commander settles down for a drink, complimenting Mama. In line with the CAT, the use of the TLN by the character in this scene is an attempt of convergence upward, and asymmetrical.
Summary of Chapters
Introduction: Provides the sociolinguistic context for address terms and their role in revealing social relationships and identities within communication.
Aim: Outlines the research goals regarding the investigation of address term types, functions, and their link to thematic elements in the chosen dramas.
The Theoretical Framework of the Study: Establishes the linguistic definitions of various address forms and explains the core principles of Communication Accommodation Theory.
Themes of the Plays: Details the primary socio-political issues addressed in the plays "Ruined" and "A Raisin in the Sun," focusing on conflict and race.
Methodology and Data-Analysis: Describes the content analysis approach and the application of CAT to interpret character dialogues and communicative behaviors.
Types of Address Terms Used by the Main Characters Addressing Other Characters in Ruined: Presents the findings regarding address term usage by Mama Nadi and Christian in the context of the DRC civil war.
Types of Address Terms Performed by the Main Characters Addressing Other characters in A Raisin in the Sun: Analyzes the address patterns of Lena, Ruth, and Walter Younger in relation to racial and familial themes.
Conclusions: Summarizes the key research findings, confirming the connection between address terms, the Communication Accommodation Theory, and the central themes of the dramas.
Keywords
Pragmatics, Address Terms, Communication Accommodation Theory, Convergence, Divergence, Mixed-method, Ruined, A Raisin in the Sun, Sociolinguistics, Content Analysis, Social Status, Power Dynamics, Modern Drama, Interpersonal Relationships, Linguistic Strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this research?
The research is a pragmatic study exploring the relationship between language and society by analyzing the types and functions of address terms used by main characters in two specific modern dramas.
Which dramatic works are analyzed?
The analysis covers Lynn Nottage's "Ruined" and Lorraine Hansberry's "A Raisin in the Sun."
What is the primary objective of this study?
The goal is to identify address term types, determine the characters' intentions behind their usage, investigate the impact of social status on communication, and assess whether these linguistic devices are effectively used in modern drama.
What methodology is employed?
The study utilizes a mixed-method content analysis, specifically applying the Communication Accommodation Theory (CAT) as a framework for interpreting the data.
What does the main body of the work cover?
The main body performs a detailed analysis of address terms used by individual characters in each play, interpreting these choices through the lens of CAT and linking them to the specific themes of each drama.
Which keywords best characterize this work?
Key terms include Pragmatics, Communication Accommodation Theory, address terms, convergence, divergence, and sociolinguistics.
How is the Communication Accommodation Theory specifically applied in this research?
CAT is used to interpret whether characters converge (adjust behavior to be more similar) or diverge from their addressees, examining strategies like upward/downward convergence and the influence of power and context.
What unique insights does the study offer regarding "Ruined"?
The study highlights how characters like Mama Nadi use specific address terms to navigate the dangerous, violent power dynamics of the DRC civil war, often employing avoidance strategies as a form of social adjustment.
How does the analysis of "A Raisin in the Sun" differ from "Ruined"?
While "Ruined" is analyzed in the context of war and corporal exploitation, the study of "A Raisin in the Sun" focuses on racial discrimination, the American Dream, and the distinct non-standard English dialect used by the characters.
- Citation du texte
- Dr. Kamal Hussein (Auteur), 2021, Address Terms in the Modern Dramas "Ruined" and "A Raisin in the Sun". Main Characters Addressing Other Characters, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/987348
