Persuasion in compliance-gaining messages in Milubi’s play Ndi muṱodzi muni?

Abstract

This article explores compliance-gaining messages in interpersonal interactions that show persuasion by critically analysing discourse excerpts from the Tshivenḓa play Ndi muṱodzi muni? (‘What kind of tear is this?’). The play displays how communication with goal-attainment intentions occur in Tshivenḓa sociocultural life. The literature reviewed looks at research into the use of persuasion in compliance-gaining messages. Various authors’ arguments are based on theories of persuasion, especially the goal-plan-action (GPA) theory. Data analysis and interpretation involved the identification of excerpts of compliance-seeking messages that display the general interpersonal influence goal types, namely primary and secondary goals, from the text of the play in terms of the GPA model in persuasive message production. The article finds that the GPA theory may be applied to a range and variation in language-related sociocultural values and norms.