A Critical Discourse Analysis of a Female Vice-Presidential Candidate’s Acceptance Speech

Ramos  Asafo-Adjei; Francis Bukari; Ernest Kwasi Klu

doi:10.31849/reila.v5i1.12331

Ramos Asafo-Adjei Takoradi Technical University, Takoradi, Ghana
Francis Bukari Takoradi Technical University, Takoradi, Ghana
Ernest Kwasi Klu University of Venda, Thohoyandou, South Africa

DOI: https://doi.org/10.31849/reila.v5i1.12331

Keywords: Acceptance speech, Cohesive devices, Critical Discourse Analysis, Discourse elements, Gender identity

Abstract

This instrumental qualitative case study examined the acceptance speech of Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, the first female vice presidential candidate of a major political party in Ghana. The study aimed to identify the discourse elements and cohesive devices used in the speech and to evaluate how she conveyed her political ideology and gender identity. Specifically, the research question was: which discourse elements and cohesive devices were employed, and how were political ideology and gender identity manifested in the speech? The data consisted of an eight-page speech delivered on July 28, 2020, in Accra, containing 3,972 words. Fairclough's (2015) Three-Dimensional textual analysis model was used for data analysis, which includes description, presentation and interpretation, and explanation of social reasons. Results showed that Professor Opoku-Agyemang used discourse elements and cohesive devices such as 'however,' 'also,' and 'second' to highlight her academic and political expertise and present herself as a qualified vice presidential candidate. She aimed to inspire women and encourage them to aspire to any position, including becoming the president of Ghana. The study's findings contribute to existing literature and can inform future research on female political representation, exposing the approaches of a marginalized group and their use of speeches to gain recognition within Ghana’s political space and beyond.

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Author Biographies

Ramos Asafo-Adjei, Takoradi Technical University, Takoradi, Ghana

Dr. Ramos Asafo-Adjei is an Associate Professor at the Communication and Media Studies Section of the Centre for Languages and Liberal Studies at Takoradi Technical University, Ghana. He holds a PhD in English Language Teaching from the University of Venda in South Africa. Dr. Asafo-Adjei's research interests include English as a Second Language (ESL) teaching and learning, teacher training, and communicative language teaching. He has published several articles in reputable journals and presented papers at both national and international conferences.

Francis Bukari, Takoradi Technical University, Takoradi, Ghana

Francis Bukari is a PhD candidate in applied linguistics and holds a Master of philosophy and a master of education in teaching English as a second language. He is a communication skills and English lecturer at Takoradi Technical University. Francis is a former English language teacher at Bawku Senior High school, a former communication skills and literacy lecturer at the University of Education, Winneba, a former communication skills and literacy tutor at the University for Development Studies. His research interest is Second language Acquisition and Learning, discourse analysis and pragmatics.

Ernest Kwasi Klu, University of Venda, Thohoyandou, South Africa

Ernest Kwesi Klu is an accomplished Associate Professor at the University of Venda, South Africa. With a wealth of expertise in the field of English Language Education, Ernest's research interests are extensive, and include areas such as English Language Assessment and Evaluation, Pragmatics, English Language Pedagogy and Andragogy, Educational Linguistics, Academic Literacy and Discourse Analysis. His impressive research portfolio has been widely recognized in the academic community, and he has received numerous accolades for his contribution to the field of education.