Conversational Implicature in Selected Jklive Talk Shows on Citizen Television, Kenya
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Date
2025-05
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Kenyatta University
Abstract
The study involved an analysis of Conversational Implicature on sampled episodes of JKLive show of Citizen TV in Kenya. The research objectives were: to describe the structure of conversation on selected episodes of JKLive show; to determine the observance of cooperative principle maxims on selected episodes of JKLive show; and to investigate the viewers’ internalization of the observance or violation of cooperative principle maxims. The study used a descriptive research design in which judgmental sampling was employed in selecting the episodes in the talk show that were more relevant to the study. A sample size of 2 episodes which lasted for an hour each was used for conversational data and then subjected to analysis. Data was collected through audio and video recording fixed on naturalistic observation of the talk show. The data was then transcribed orthographically to identify the language features required for the study. Data analysis was guided by two theories: The first was Conversational Analysis by Sacks, Schegloff, and Jefferson, which was used to analyze the overall organization of the talk show whis is inline with the first objective of the study. The second one was Conversational Implicature by Grice (1975), which he termed as an indirect speech act whereby, what is communicated may go beyond literal meaning. This theory was used to account for observance or lack thereof of cooperative principle maxims, which adressed the second objective. A total of 100 comments were purposively selected from the JKLive show episodes under study to address the third objective which looked at the viewer’s internalization of the observance of the Cooperative principle maxims. Results showed that the structure of JKLive talk show consisted of opening, body, and closing segments. Prevalence of violations of cooperative principle maxims was observed, particularly instances of quality and manner being disregarded in political discourse, and quantity and relevance being disregarded in economic discourse. Viewer tweets revealed a discerning audience that recognizes both adherence to and deviation from cooperative principle maxims. Addressing violations of these maxims can improve clarity and coherence, with the host playing a crucial role in moderating discussions to foster mutual understanding, prevent conflicts, and promote constructive exchanges, ultimately enhancing the viewer experience.
Description
A Research Project Submitted to the School of Law, Arts and Social Sciences, in Partial Fulfilment of the Requirents for the Award of the Degree of Master of Arts in English and Linguistics of Kenyatta University, May 2025.
Supervisor
Loise W. Mwai