Abstract:
The purpose of the study is to investigate the use of sarcasm and humour among the Ga
from a semantic perspective. To achieve the purpose of the study, three research questions
were raised as follows: (i) in which various are sarcasm and humour used? (ii) What are
the triggers and the effects of these communicative tools? (iii)What are the similarities and
differences in terms of usage? Using the qualitative approach, thirty native Ga speakers
from three Ga towns in the Greater Accra Region (Accra Central, Chorkor, and Kaneshie)
were purposively sampled, observed and or interviewed. The study employed Austin’s
1961, Speech act theory in its data analysis. The analysis of the data on sarcasm and humour
showed that the Ga people make use of these communicative expressions in their day to
day conversations or utterances under various circumstances, in several domains. Also, the
study found out that sarcastic and humourous statements are not only used for ridicule,
mocking, praise, entertain etc but they help individuals play with the language which also
displays competence in the usage of the Ga language. It was further revealed that the use
of sarcasm fosters retention and helps in memorization. Additionally, the study revealed
that the situations that triggers the use of sarcasm and humour were times of having fun,
when responding to foolish statements, when criticizing, when complementing and also
when giving advice. Finally, the study revealed that the use of sarcastic statements can
provoke anger and violence, personal satisfaction, laughter, shyness and humiliation. In
conclusion, the use of sarcasm and humour as communicative techniques are dependent on
the circumstance or context surrounding a conversation.
Description:
A Thesis in the Department of Ga-Dangme Education,
Faculty of Ghanaian Languages Education, submitted to
the School of Graduate Studies,
in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the award of degree of
Master of Philosophy
(GA)
in the University of Education, Winneba
JANUARY, 2023