An analysis of clause complexing in selected coronavirus updates by President Nana Akufo-Addo

Abstract

This study investigates the linguistic complexity of clause structures in four representative Covid-19 update speeches delivered by Ghana's President, Nana Akufo- Addo, using the Systemic Functional Grammar Theory as its theoretical foundation. Employing a qualitative textual analysis approach, the research aims to uncover the intricate linguistic choices made by the President during the pandemic. The study analysed a total of 152 clauses across the speeches, with the distribution as follows: 27 clause simplexes and 125 clause complexes. Within the clause complex category, paratactic structures accounted for 42 instances (33.6%), while hypotactic clauses comprised 83 instances, constituting 66.4% of all clause complexes. Conversely, 17.7% of the clauses were classified as clause simplexes and excluded from the analysis. The analysis demonstrates a purposeful utilisation of linguistic complexity in the speeches, highlighting a nuanced communication approach. The President predominantly employed clauses of unequal statuses, with hypotaxis (subordination) prevailing over parataxis (coordination). The study reveals that he utilised various approaches for expanding and projecting ideas, as classified by Halliday, including elaboration, extension, enhancement, and projection involving both locution and idea. A combination of parataxis and hypotaxis, along with expansion and projection, was used to convey meaning and illustrate relationships between clause complexes. Elaboration emerged as the most frequently employed approach, followed by extension and enhancement. The President consistently adhered to the use of clause complexes throughout all the speeches, emphasising their communicative value in effectively conveying his messages thus contributing to the understanding of how political discourse can be shaped by the strategic use of clause complexity in Systemic Functional Grammar, especially during a global health crisis.