Pragmatic tactics in diplomatic communication: a case study of Ola Rotimi's Ovonramwen Nogbaisi

Abstract

This paper describes the features of pragmatic tactics in diplomatic communication in Ola Rotimi's play, Ovonramwen Nogbaisi. The paper observes that even though some major characters employ various pragmatic tactics to achieve successful communication in the play, the tragic conclusion of the play derives mainly from a breakdown in communication between some other major characters. Using relevant extracts of dialogue from the text for illustration, and principles deriving from linguistic and literary pragmatics as analytical tools, the paper describes the features that enhance successful diplomatic communication in the play and also identifies those features that lead to breakdown in communication. Finally, the paper makes out a case for the pedagogical relevance of pragmatics to the understanding of the complexities of social interaction and literary interpretation.