A Discourse Study of Language used by Bus Drivers and Conductors in Anambra Metropolis

Abstract

With the high rate of activities on the road, the study of language used by stakeholders of road transportation becomes of paramount interest .The study is set to ascertain the peculiar nature and choice of language use among bus drivers and conductors in Anambra metropolis. The study, therefore, explores the use of terms used by bus drivers and conductors within Anambra metropolis. This is with the view of using sociolinguistic measures to provide explanations regarding the use of such language. Data for the study were collected through unobtrusive observation method and unstructured interview. The observation and recording were done for a period of eight months. Such a long period was used to enable the researcher gather most if not all the words/expressions used by bus drivers and conductors in the different locations that served the sample. The work is guided by Halliday's Systemic Functional Theory which emphasizes the use of language in context. Data for the study were analyzed using a descriptive approach .The findings reveal that bus drivers and conductors in Anambra metropolis use words or concepts that are not only unique to them but also contributes to their free flow of expression and communication among them as a social group. It further reveals that their nature or choice of language in no small measure adds to enriching the lexicon of the languages used. Finally, the aesthetic function of the language usage cannot also be overlooked. Hence, the research concludes that the words used by the bus drivers and conductors in Anambra metropolis is unique. It clearly indicates that one belongs to a certain profession or association. Since the study serves as a veritable foundation for further interesting research, the study recommends that other researchers may take a pragmatic study of the same or similar topic.