Authors :
Liston Mpheza
Volume/Issue :
Volume 8 - 2023, Issue 1 - January
Google Scholar :
https://bit.ly/3IIfn9N
Scribd :
https://bit.ly/3HnFXpZ
DOI :
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.7592798
Abstract :
This article examines the use of Chichewa
proverbs as sources of argumentation (topoi) in Malawi
from the standpoint of critical discourse analysis. This
article illustrates how Chichewa proverbs spark
diametrically opposed topoi in various oral and written
dialogues. Proverbs are essential because they are utilised
in a variety of contexts, including education, entertainment,
justice, and behaviour modification, that have an impact on
the wellbeing of residents of different communities.
Proverbs are used by different speakers to make their views
more obvious, offer advice, and caution others about
various elements of life, administer justice in legal
proceedings, critique the behaviour of others, settle
disputes, and enliven speeches. Because Malawians are
accustomed to employing Chichewa proverbs as the
foundation of a topos in everyday communication, they are
more likely to utilise Chichewa proverbs to persuade others
of their points of view. Speakers use proverbs to persuade
people that what they are arguing is supported by folk
wisdom from adults, they employ diverse proverbs in a
variety of ways. This paper examines how arguments in
Malawi are derived from oral literature, particularly from
Chichewa proverbs, one of the types of oral literature. The
results show that majority of Chichewa proverbs contain
counter proverbs. Because of this, relying on them is
inappropriate for someone who wishes to win a debate. The
Discourse Historical Approach, a subset of Critical
Discourse Analysis, was employed in this paper.
Keywords :
Topoi, Proverb. Discourse Historical Approach.
This article examines the use of Chichewa
proverbs as sources of argumentation (topoi) in Malawi
from the standpoint of critical discourse analysis. This
article illustrates how Chichewa proverbs spark
diametrically opposed topoi in various oral and written
dialogues. Proverbs are essential because they are utilised
in a variety of contexts, including education, entertainment,
justice, and behaviour modification, that have an impact on
the wellbeing of residents of different communities.
Proverbs are used by different speakers to make their views
more obvious, offer advice, and caution others about
various elements of life, administer justice in legal
proceedings, critique the behaviour of others, settle
disputes, and enliven speeches. Because Malawians are
accustomed to employing Chichewa proverbs as the
foundation of a topos in everyday communication, they are
more likely to utilise Chichewa proverbs to persuade others
of their points of view. Speakers use proverbs to persuade
people that what they are arguing is supported by folk
wisdom from adults, they employ diverse proverbs in a
variety of ways. This paper examines how arguments in
Malawi are derived from oral literature, particularly from
Chichewa proverbs, one of the types of oral literature. The
results show that majority of Chichewa proverbs contain
counter proverbs. Because of this, relying on them is
inappropriate for someone who wishes to win a debate. The
Discourse Historical Approach, a subset of Critical
Discourse Analysis, was employed in this paper.
Keywords :
Topoi, Proverb. Discourse Historical Approach.