Pragma-Rhetorical Study of Graffiti

Abstract

Graffiti can basically be defined as a group of phrases or famous expressions, individual messages, slogans and initials which are written on cars, bridges and private, or public building walls. This study tackles the problem that graffiti are not written in a haphazard way but rather they are written to convey especial messages. Such messages are highly codified and thus they need a well acquainted reader to receive their implicit meaning. The present study aims at: firstly, disclosing the types of speech acts utilized in graffiti and finding out the most frequently used ones. Secondly, revealing the figures of speech implied in graffiti. Thirdly, figuring out the functions of graffiti. To achieve these aims, the study puts forward the hypotheses that: the directive speech act type is the most frequently used one in graffiti. Graffiti comprises different figures of speech, particularly, metaphor. Moreover, there are different functions accomplished by graffiti. As for the analysis of the data, the study has used Searle’s model (1975) of speech acts together with various rhetorical devices used. The study has reached the following conclusions: the most frequently used speech act type is directives. Graffiti consist of different rhetorical devices and metaphor is the most frequently used one. Lastly, it has been found that graffiti are utilized for different purposes depending on various contexts.