Conversational Analysis of Political Talk Shows by Pakistani Politicians using Discourse Markers

Abstract

Flouting of the conversational maxims (Principles) using hedging techniques by the politicians and educationists in the political talk shows is interested to be explored. The present study examined that how the maxim of manner and maxim of relation is ignored by the speakers in media discourse by taking insight from the Grice’s cooperative principles; and how maxim of manner and the maxim of relevance are hedged by the speakers. The current study employs the qualitative research design. Twelve socio-political and educational programs were selected for data analysis. The research findings revealed that the maxim of relation and maxim of manner was flouted by the speakers in political talk shows; and female politicians and educationists used hedging technique more than male politicians and educationists. Moreover, study exposed the reasons of flouting of the conversational maxims by the speakers, and also found that female speakers interrupt more than male speakers. On the base of these results some recommendations are presented in the end.