A discourse analysis of the structure of KBC TV. broadcast discussion programmes.

Abstract

This study is an investigation of the discourse structure and organization of Kenya Broadcasting Corporation Television discussion programmes. It examines the exchange patterns observable in these discussion programmes and also the salient patterns of language use. Particular attention is given to local organization especially the turn taking and the adjacency pair system. The study also deals with the part played by non-verbal communication, jokes, figurative language as well as the effect of code mixing and code switching in communication. These patterns of language are seen as motivated by socio-psychological factors and as related directly to the degree of language tolerance exhibited by the viewers. The study has revealed that the overhearing audience is a major determining factor of both the organization and the language used in these programmes. The topic, the participant and the institutionalised context of the discussion programmes are also seen as important variables. All these factors are interrelated and overlap in their influence. The study also singles out the adjacency pair as the basic structural unit of exchange in these discussion programmes.