Date of Award
1-2010
Thesis Type
Masters
Document Type
Dissertation
Divisions
Faculty of Languages and Linguistics
Institution
Universiti Malaya
Abstract
This study looks at the features of the discourse in a home for elderly residents. It also determines if the care-takers use elderspeak while communicating with the residents and determines the features of elderspeak in the discourse of the care-takers. The respondents consist of 12 care-takers and 23 elderly residents. Audio-recordings, observation and field notes were the instruments used for data collection and this was for a duration of 270 hours. The analysis shows that elderspeak exists in the discourse of the care-takers. The features of elderspeak included ‘questions structures’, ‘repetitions’, ‘limited vocabulary’, ‘simple syntax’ and ‘patronizing code’. It was found that the care-takers using elderspeak for different communicative functions. For example, tag questions with particle ‘ha’ and ‘ah’ were used to ‘emphasize meaning’, ‘seek confirmation’, ‘elicit responses’ and ‘soften directives’. Tag questions using the particle ‘mei’ were used to express ‘uncertainty.’ Tag questions using particle ‘ho’, ‘isn’t it’ and ‘kan’ were used to ‘seek agreement.’ To limit the responses of the elderly, care-takers had a tendency to use ‘alternative answer questions’, ‘yes/no questions’ and ‘rhetorical questions’. The feature of ‘repetitions’ were found when care-takers aimed at giving directives, emphasize a topic, provide clear messages and indicate agreement. The ‘limited vocabulary’ used by the care-takers aimed at indicating power. The use of simple syntax is based on the belief of the care-takers that complex sentences or complete sentences were not understood by the elderly residents. When joking and teasing, the care-takers used a patronizing code. This research shows that elderspeak exists in the discourse of the care-takers and is used as a communicative strategy to achieve specific functions.
Additional Information
Dissertation (M.A.) – Faculty of Languages and Linguistics, Universiti Malaya, 2010.
Recommended Citation
Yee Peng, Yaw, "Ciri-ciri wacana penjaga di rumah warga emas." (2010). Student Works (2010-2019). 192.
https://knova.um.edu.my/student_works_2010s/192
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 International License.
Included in
Discourse and Text Linguistics Commons, Gerontology Commons, Interpersonal and Small Group Communication Commons
Initial
khm