Requests strategies among the Anlos: A qualitative research
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Abstract
The primary aim of this study is to investigate different types of requests and request strategies by Anlo conversational participants in natural settings. This purpose hinges on the background that requests in Anlo may be direct or indirect. The study employs qualitative research design. The population for this study is from three out of the thirty-six indigenous Anlo towns. In all, thirty-six respondents made up of children (aged between 9 and 14 years), youth (aged between 15 and 39 years) and the elderly (aged from 40 years and above) were selected from the three sites. The data collection instruments used for this study are observation, interview, role play and the use of discourse completion tests (D.C.Ts). Requests in Anlo are grouped into two major categories namely; direct and indirect. Indirect requests are further sub-divided into conventional indirect requests and non-conventional indirect requests. Direct requests in Anlo are normally made in a commanding fashion. The use of address term however reduces or mitigates the illocutionary force of the request.
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