ABSTRACT
Over the last two decades, linguistic studies on texting have largely
focused on person-to-person practices such that the use of text messages in other
language domains, for instance the electronic media, is largely under-researched.
To fill the gap, the present study examined the discourse of SMS messages posted
during radio panel discussions in Ghana in order to determine whether the
messages could be labelled as a special discourse type.
The study was based on a corpus of approximately five hundred (500)
messages collected within a period of three months from panel discussions of Joy
FM and Peace FM, both in Ghana. Drawing on the concept of Virtual Community
of Practice and Uses and Gratifications Theory, the study indicated that radio
panel discussion texting is typified by four basic discourse features that served not
only as shortening strategies but also as means to demonstrate the dexterity of
texters in their use of language. Further, the study showed that posting messages
on radio panel discussions is motivated by six major gratifications, prominent
among which are ideological formations and expressions of dissatisfaction about
personal, social and national issues.
First, these findings characterise texting on radio panel discussions as a
unique discourse type. Second, the findings reveal the nature of public discourse
on radio panel discussions in Ghana. Thus, these findings bear theoretical and
pedagogical implications as well as raise concerns for media practice.
COKER, W (2021). Sms And The Electronic Media: A Discourse Analysis Of Text Messages On Radio Panel Discussions In Ghana. Afribary. Retrieved from https://afribary.com/works/sms-and-the-electronic-media-a-discourse-analysis-of-text-messages-on-radio-panel-discussions-in-ghana
COKER, WINCHARLES "Sms And The Electronic Media: A Discourse Analysis Of Text Messages On Radio Panel Discussions In Ghana" Afribary. Afribary, 07 Apr. 2021, https://afribary.com/works/sms-and-the-electronic-media-a-discourse-analysis-of-text-messages-on-radio-panel-discussions-in-ghana. Accessed 15 Nov. 2024.
COKER, WINCHARLES . "Sms And The Electronic Media: A Discourse Analysis Of Text Messages On Radio Panel Discussions In Ghana". Afribary, Afribary, 07 Apr. 2021. Web. 15 Nov. 2024. < https://afribary.com/works/sms-and-the-electronic-media-a-discourse-analysis-of-text-messages-on-radio-panel-discussions-in-ghana >.
COKER, WINCHARLES . "Sms And The Electronic Media: A Discourse Analysis Of Text Messages On Radio Panel Discussions In Ghana" Afribary (2021). Accessed November 15, 2024. https://afribary.com/works/sms-and-the-electronic-media-a-discourse-analysis-of-text-messages-on-radio-panel-discussions-in-ghana