Journal of Languages and Translation
Volume 6, Numéro 1, Pages 97-114
2026-01-01
Modality In The Independence Day Speeches Of John Dramanai Mahama And Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-addo
Authors : Atta-asamoah Obed . Afreh Esther Serwaah .
Abstract
This study explores modality in Independence Day speeches. Eight speeches of two Ghanaian presidents, John Dramani Mahama (JDM) and Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo (NADAA), the eleventh and twelfth presidents of Ghana, respectively, were used. Halliday’s systemic functional linguistics theory was used in the study. The concept of modality was explored using Bybee et al.’s (1994) four-way classification and scales of modality. In order of occurrence, the modality types used in the speeches were epistemic, agent-oriented, speaker-oriented, and subordinating modality types. Epistemic modality was used to show the presidents’ strongest level of confidence and knowledge of their utterance. Agent-oriented modality was also used to assure Ghanaians about their commitment to the actualization of their responsibilities, persuade Ghanaians towards nationalism, and express their deep hopes. Directives, admonitions, optative, permission, and prohibitions were expressed using speaker-oriented modality, while the citizens were encouraged towards patriotism using subordinating modality. The analysis reveals that while NADAA projects authority and confidence through assertive, obligation-driven modality, JDM adopts a more visionary and emotive tone, leveraging hypotheticals and motivational appeal to inspire collective national aspiration. This study proves the potency of the functional model to examine commemorative speeches and that modality as an interpersonal metafunction continues to be highly employed in political discourse.
Keywords
Independence Day speeches, Interpersonal metafunction, Modality, Political discourse, Systemic Functional Linguistics
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