The discourse of persuasion: An analysis of students' communicative tasks

Abstract

This discourse analysis aimed to investigate the different propaganda techniques used by students in their communicative tasks. This study utilized qualitative method with discourse analysis as an approach to identify and understand the discourse of persuasion manifested by students in their speaking performance. The researcher analysed the linguistic corpora using the theory of Gambril on propaganda techniques. Data revealed that students exhibited different propaganda techniques such as transfer, testimonial, glittering generalities and bandwagon. These communicative tasks in the language classroom focusing on the discourse of persuasion allow the non-native Speakers of English language to acquire communicative competence on the use of the target language. Having exposed to various communicative activities provides students an opportunity to explore the different use of language specifically in persuading other people. The activities provided by the teacher enable students to evaluate what specific area of language they have to improve and practice in order for them to acquire the target language with native like proficiency and sophistication.