Critical Analysis of Transitivity in the Inaugural Speech of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State

Abstract

This study examines the distribution of transitivity process found in the inaugural speech of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State. The study explores deep social significance via transitivity analysis of the ideational function and transitivity processes found in the inaugural speech as highlighted by Systemic Functional Grammar. The paper adopts Ideational Metafunction of Systemic Functional Grammar as its underpinning framework to weigh and conduct a transitivity analysis of the inaugural speech. The paper uses qualitative method, the corpus-based speech is sourced from the repository of Gombe State Government House and internet. The findings of the study show that material, mental, relational and verbal process are found in the speech. The study also reveals that material process is the most frequently process. Relational, mental and verbal process take the second, third and fourth places respectively. Existential and behavioral have zero occurrence in the speech. Material process is strongly used to lament the poor economic situation of the State. To gain the confidence of the audience and looking forward to a better future, Governor Yahaya applies different processes, especially relational and mental process. This shows his different attitudes and subjective emotions toward the people of Gombe State.