Abstract:
Language use in academic discourse has received considerable attention from
researchers over the years. These researchers have shown how language is used as
a tool to communicate effectively and to enact power. The study investigated and
examined the language used and its functions in thesis defence, using Conversation
Analysis (CA) and Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) as analytical frameworks.
The investigation and examination of the language used and its function was done
using self-transcribed transcripts of the interaction between panel members and
candidates of thesis defence organized by the Department of English of the
University of Cape Coast. The study also examined the use of language as an
effective tool for enacting and recognizing power in the thesis defence. Findings
revealed that panel members mainly used interrogatives, declaratives and
imperatives to examine candidates on their knowledge of the research topic area
and to seek confirmation/disconfirmation from them whereas candidates mainly
used declaratives and, less frequently, phrasal units to offer explanations to the
questions asked them as well as to agree/disagree to question and comments made
by panel members. The analysis also revealed that panel members signaled power
more with their linguistic choices such as address forms, questions, imperatives
and modal auxiliary verbs, while candidates used some address forms and hedging
devices to show their subordination to panel members. The study has implications
for academic discourse, postgraduate thesis defence pedagogy and serves as an
impetus for further research.
