Text or context: Ostman’s theory of persuasion

Abstract

This paper argues that it is possible to make a scientific analysis of the process of persuasion as a function of the language used in any social interaction rather than merely the context in which that interaction takes place. In other words, persuasion is a rhetorical as much as a sociolinguistic phenomenon and persuasive language in itself constitutes a distinct register or style of speech.

Citation

Jolly, S. (1999), "Text or context: Ostman’s theory of persuasion", Journal of Communication Management, Vol. 4 No. 2, pp. 159-163. https://doi.org/10.1108/eb023515