Politeness Principles in President Kenyatta’s 59th Madaraka Day Speech to Kenyans on 1st June 2022 at Uhuru Gardens, Nairobi, Kenya
Loading...
Date
2023-03-31
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
International Journal on Studies in English Language and Literature (IJSELL)
Abstract
Apart from transmitting information successfully, communication needs to be carried out in a way
that creates solidarity and intimacy between the parties involved.Politeness is key in communication as it aids
in achieving effective communication. This article examines the maxims of politeness principles in Kenyatta‟s
last Madaraka Day speech on 1st June 2022. The analysis is based on Leech‟s (1983) theory of politeness. The
data is sourced from the internet and the analysis is done by first, reading the speech, identifying the
sentences in which the maxims of politeness have been used and describing them in the context of the speech.
The findings revealed that being the last Madaraka Day during his tenure as president, the president intended
to leave a legacy of the gains made during his 10-year reign. He used politeness maxims to effectively
communicate the gains of his administration and appreciate the freedom fighters as well as create solidarity
with Kenyans.