| dc.description.abstract | The current study sought to uncover the use of discursive strategies in order to uncover
language manipulations that provoke understanding of sociocultural hegemony within
Mwalimu Andrew’s columns. The use of pragmatics enables the interpretation of
meanings and intentions that go beyond the literal level of language, revealing how
speakers construct and negotiate social realities through communication. The
Staffroom Diary by Mwalimu Andrew, a column in Kenya’s Sunday Nation
Newspaper, provides readers with insights into the experiences, observations and
contemplation of a fictional teacher Persona. Its popularity as a light-hearted
commentary has aided in the exposure of serious and diverse sociocultural issues
through language. However, despite its prominence and social relevance, limited
scholarly attention has been given to how Mwalimu Andrew strategically employs
language to construct power relations, shape perceptions, and sustain or challenge
sociocultural hierarchies. It was guided by the following objectives, to; describe the
discursive strategies in mwalimu Andrew’s staffroom diary texts, analyse their
functionality of the discursive strategies as a means of linguistic stylistic
communication of social reality interaction and examine how the discursive strategies
represent sociocultural hegemony in Mwalimu Andrew's Staffroom diary texts. The
study employed Critical Discourse Analysis theory (CDA) Fairclough (1996) and
employed a descriptive research design. Systematic sampling was used to select 16
columns of the articles published in 2023, specific linguistic units were purposively
sampled and then using textual analysis, they were extracted and thematically
analysed. The findings revealed that Mwalimu Andrew utilizes discursive strategies,
such as referential nomination, argumentation, predication, perspectivation and
intensification to clarify social roles and power dynamics among characters in the
school context. Further, the linguistic styles used within the discursive strategies
function to legitimize authority, reinforce group identity, amplify achievements as well
as reveal personal reflection and perspective. The findings further showed that these
strategies aid in constructing and reinforcing sociocultural hegemony through
construction of social roles and responsibilities, and the representation of authority and
control. Speakers use discursive strategies to shape readers' and audience Perceptions
of social roles. These strategies do more than entertain; they communicate and
reinforce social realities, establishing group identities and celebrating leadership.
Language thus serves as a tool of hegemony, embedding cultural norms and
expectations within everyday interactions and framing dominant discourses as
accepted truths. This study will enhance knowledge on how discursive strategies
represents or challenges sociocultural hegemony in the society represented through
texts. | en_US |
