Stancetaking by university students writing in English as a second language/ non-native language / non- native language: A case of students at Solusi University, Zimbabwe
- Authors: Chikara, Tendai Owen https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2546-7128
- Date: 2021-05
- Subjects: Language and languages -- Style , Discourse analysis
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/22283 , vital:52013
- Description: The thrust of the study was to investigate the stancetaking strategies by English Second Language (ESL)/ Non‐Native Language learners undertaking undergraduate studies at one university in Zimbabwe. The learners in the study came from a variety of backgrounds but shared one common feature which was the fact that they used English as a Second Language/ Non‐native language/Non‐Native Language. Using a case study approach, the study interviewed these ESL users as well as analysed their essays to establish how the learners used metadiscourse markers to communicate stance. Using insights from Systemic Functional Linguistics (SFL) theory, the study sought to establish how the language of appraisal was used in the learners’ essays. Findings indicate that learners had a superficial appreciation of the academic writing genre and thus failed to use metadiscourse markers or resources of appraisal effectively to communicate stance. Differences were noted in the manner that stance was communicated between different faculties and possible explanations were offered for such findings. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2021
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Analysing writing competence of learners in selected secondary schools in Zimbabwe
- Authors: Dube, Precious https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9715-4609
- Date: 2021-01
- Subjects: English language -- Composition and exercises , English language -- Rhetoric
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/21246 , vital:47436
- Description: Writing has been identified as one of the most essential skills that learners require for their personal development and academic success because the world has become so text-oriented. However, learning to master writing skills is a problem that learners face in Zimbabwean secondary schools. Subsequently, the purpose of this study was to analyse the writing competence of learners in selected secondary schools in the Midlands province of Zimbabwe. Using some aspects of the product-process approach and the cognitive process theory of writing, the study intended to assess the level of writing competence of learners in selected schools in Zimbabwe. The study followed a qualitative approach and adopted a case study research design. A purposive selected sample for the interviews consisted of 40 learners and 8 teachers. Another set of data were collected through document analysis. Both sets of data were analysed thematically. Findings indicated that the secondary school learners in Zimbabwe had challenges related to contextualising the topic, coherence and cohesion. The results further revealed that the language of instruction had an effect on the writing competence of learners and primary school background influenced competence later in secondary schools. The results also showed that although competent and not-so-competent learners shared some similar writing strategies, most of the strategies they used when writing were different. It was also noted that most secondary school teachers did not teach writing skills and most of their teaching methods were teacher centred and therefore unlikely to promote competence in learners. The researcher recommended professional training courses and workshops for teachers, which would help them to teach learners to become competent in writing and in incorporation of ICT in the learning of English Language in secondary schools. It was further recommended that learners should be trained and encouraged to develop a culture of reading, as this is likely to effectively promote their writing skills. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2021
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Critical discourse analysis of election campaigns in Zimbabwe with specific reference to 2008 and 2013 election periods
- Authors: Mugomba Moreen
- Date: 2020-05
- Subjects: Critical discourse analysis , Political manifestos -- Zimbabwe , Communication in politics
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/22083 , vital:51982
- Description: Elections are a key aspect in all communities and in Zimbabwe they are held after every 5 years. Election candidates’ speeches. Linguistic manipulation is an influential instrument in politics and as such presidential candidates’ electioneering discourse is infested with persuasive linguistic elements. Therefore, this study analysed the generic structure of hard news and editorials as well as political manifestos. The nature of linguistic devices invoked for the enactment of political goals and objectives by Zimbabwean newspaper reports in English and Shona were analysed. The study looked at how presidential candidates express themselves to the electorate through language as well. The study demonstrated how newspaper reporters make linguistic choices to express similar content from contending politicians during election time. The study took a qualitative research methodology. Tools used to collect data were interviews and document analysis. Ten newspaper reporters were interviewed for their extensive knowledge of media situations. The newspaper articles which were based on political manifestos by two of the contending political parties, the MDC and ZANU PF were analysed. Systemic Functional Linguistics and Critical Discourse Analysis were used as theories of analysis. Findings from the study revealed the existence of certain linguistic devices that are used in the art of persuasion, as candidates campaign for political posts. Characteristic linguistic devices were observed in journalists’ reports. These devices include modals, verbs, pronouns, metaphors, repetition, anaphora as well as the use of “us and them” in both the speeches and news reports in English and Shona. The analysis showed a discrepancy between state and independent media as far as news representation of election events is concerned. It is recommended in this study that, there must be a balance in the presentation of politics in newspapers even if there is personal bias in linguistic choice on the part of individual journalists. A transition model into electioneering reporting came up. The proposed model looks into issues of cohesion in news reports. The study has contributed further insights into the nature, features and functions of political discourse. discourse is paramount in society and as elections are held, several persuasive elements and occasions come into play as contesting candidates try to garner votes. Election discourse is realised in the aspiring , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2020
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