By Mahdi Waziri Isa & Nafisa Muhammad Iman
A Scholar in the Department of English and Literary Studies of Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, Professor Abdullahi Ahmad has propounded a new English theory called Gbobeism: The Wave Theory of Speech Acts (GBOWATSA). The new theory will be unveiled at a public lecture on Thursday, 4th September, 2025.
The lecture, expected to take place at 10:00am prompt at the Abdullahi Smith Theatre, Faculty of Arts, ABU Main Campus Samaru, will have the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Adamu Ahmed, as its chief host. The Dean, Faculty of Arts, ABU Zaria, Professor Sule Muhammed, and Professor T.A.N. Abubakar will serve as the Host and Chairman of the event, respectively.
Key Aspects of GBOWATSA:
– Wave Propagation: Explains how speech acts spread and influence immediate and later audiences over time and space.
– Diffusion of Information: Examines how comments from influential people reach the lowest levels of society.
– Ripple Effects: Looks at the short-term and long-term consequences of pronouncements on individuals, groups, and society.
Goals of the Theory:
1. Explain wave propagation in speech acts.
2. Investigate diffusion of information from influential individuals.
3. Analyze ripple effects of pronouncements.
4. Explore the role of power in shaping perceptions and behaviors.
5. Highlight the relationship between power, speech acts, and naturalization.
Principles of the Theory:
1. Words have power to influence audience behavior.
2. Intentional pronouncements can shape audience actions.
3. Context determines content and effectiveness of pronouncements.
4. Interpersonal communication involves power relations, with six types: legitimate, referent, reward, coercive, expert, and information or persuasion power.
5. Speech acts can be categorized into representatives, declaratives, directives, expressives, and commissives, each with distinct functions.
Potential Impact:
GBOWATSA may revolutionize understanding of speech acts, power dynamics, and communication. Its applications could span various fields, including linguistics, sociology, politics, and education. The public lecture and live streaming will provide a platform for scholars to engage with this innovative theory and explore its implications.
The event will also be streamed live on YouTube and Microsoft TEAMS for virtual attendees. Attendees can join the live streaming via: (www.youtube.com/@ahmadubellouniversity and https//tinyurl.com/2yprtnh9