SPEECH ACTS IN UNDERGRADUATE CLASSROOMS: A PRAGMATIC ANALYSIS AT KHYBER MEDICAL UNIVERSITY, PESHAWAR

Abstract

This research determines and classifies the various kinds of speech acts that take place in undergraduate classes in KMU Peshawar. It also discusses the role of speech acts in different communicative roles as well as how they demonstrate fascinating deviation and distinctive patterns in classroom talk. The research is qualitative and descriptive survey research. The study involves non-participant classroom observation of undergraduate classes in KMU, with particular attention paid to the students of the 5 th semester to the 8 th semester. The researcher relies on purposive sampling to sample the classrooms that would offer valuable information regarding the use of speech acts in a medical university setting. The theory of speech acts as the primary tool of analysis is the theory of Searle (1969). The scholar uses the discourse analysis and pragmatic analysis as a means of studying the interaction in the classroom. The audio recordings and comprehensive notes of six weeks of classroom observations are cross-matched and coded to define and classify speech acts. The research discovers that there are various speech acts that are used by teachers and students such as expressive, directive, assertive, commissive, and declarative acts. Such speech acts are useful in building rapport, learning, participation, reinforcing professional and ethical values, and classroom management. The discussion further brings out special tendencies and breakages in the way speech acts are executed which is a replica of the cultural and professional setting of medical education. The results indicate that the language used by teachers should be conscious to facilitate effective communication, student interest, and a positive learning environment. The knowledge of the functions and patterns of the speech acts can assist the educators in improving the interaction in the classroom and assist the students in their professional growth. In the future, the scope can be extended to other medical universities or research the use of speech acts in various fields. Other researches can also be done on how speech act awareness training to teachers influences classroom communication and student performance.