Discourse intonation of directive speech acts in religious and political speeches

Abstract

This study examines the intonational realization of directive speech acts employed in the speeches of Dr. Haifaa Younis and Kamala Harris. It adopts an integrated analytical framework that combines Searle's (1976) Speech Act Theory, Bach and Harnish's (1979) taxonomy of directive speech acts, and Brazil's (1997) Discourse Intonation Model. The study employs a qualitative research design. The findings reveal that both speakers predominantly employ the proclaiming fall tone to realize directive speech acts. Younis primarily uses commands, prohibitions, and advice to reinforce her religious authority, whereas Harris frequently employs urging and warnings to persuade, motivate, and engage the audience while maintaining rhetorical force. Furthermore, the findings indicate that neither speaker predominantly adopts a dominant discourse role. Instead, Younis employs discourse intonation to reinforce Islamic religious principles by guiding the audience in accordance with Islamic moral values, whereas Harris uses discourse intonation to persuade the audience to support her political leadership and electoral campaign. It is hoped that this study will contribute to a better understanding of the interaction between discourse intonation and directive speech acts and how this interaction facilitates persuasion in religious and political discourse.