Rhetorical Questions and Message Effectiveness

Several studies in newspaper language have been conducted, but most of them have not been concerned with audience participation with a view to ascertaining the degree/ effectiveness (or otherwise) of the messages. This book presents a more pragmatic approach to the dynamics of language use in media texts while also providing insightful discussions on the Rhetorical Question (RQ) as a stylistic device. It shows that although the RQ is not a new phenomenon in language, it is an uncommon stylistic device that embellishes and energizes discourse. One of the merits of this book is the integration of linguistic and media effects theories in a unified and interdisciplinary Effectiveness Rating Instrument administered to readers. The findings of the study were subjected to statistical analysis using chi square and cross tabs. This book will be an indispensable text (and will remain an invaluable classic) for students of language, communication arts, journalism, mass communication, researchers, writers, publishers and readers for years to come. It is a significant contribution to the existing academic literature on media language.

Autorentext

The author, Taiwo Abioye, holds a Ph.D in English Language from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria. The areas of her research interest and publications are Stylistics, Media Language, Applied Linguistics and Literacy. She is Head of the Department of Languages, Covenant University, Ota-Nigeria where she also teaches.