Voice, agency and identity: A positive discourse analysis of ‘resistance’ in the rhetoric of Kwame Nkrumah

Nartey, Mark

Abstract

This paper uses positive discourse analysis to examine an independence leader's resistance rhetoric against colonialism, imperialism and neocolonialism. It analyses speeches delivered by Ghana's independence leader, Kwame Nkrumah, and finds that he adopts an anti-imperialist and anti-establishment stance through three processes: his explicit identification of Africa's conspiratorial enemy, his sculpting of a gallant/heroic leader image and his projection of a messianic identity. The paper offers insights into the exploration of text and talk that suggest inspiring discursive practices and illustrates how discourse can be used to advance the goals of marginalized/repressed groups in order to instigate progressive social change.

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Jan 3, 2020
• Online Publication Date: Feb 4, 2020
• Publication Date: Mar 3, 2020
• Deposit Date: Jan 8, 2022
• Journal: Language and Intercultural Communication
• Print ISSN: 1470-8477
• Electronic ISSN: 1747-759X
• Publisher: Taylor & Francis (Routledge)
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 20
• Issue: 2
• Pages: 193-205
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/14708477.2020.1722686
• Keywords: Linguistics and Language; Communication
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/8539147