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  • Essay / Power and Authority Shape Spoken Language - 1473

    Authority is “the power to demand and receive submission (The Pocket English Dictionary); Authority is used in many conversations every day and without authority, power could not be exercised easily. Power, meaning “a position of control, authority, or influence over others” (The Pocket English Dictionary) and is generally used to gain control or influence. Similar to everyday situations in many transcriptions, power and authority are demonstrated through the demonstration of different techniques, so I will examine them and their uses in two transcriptions. In classes, I found it interesting how different jargons are used in different contexts and how, in some cases, formalize a speech or interview response. Throughout this investigation, I will analyze two transcripts, namely: a job interview and a courtroom interview. The job interview was part of the well-known TV show "The Apprentice" in a large office. During the show, Ruth Badger is interviewed by Claude (a business partner of Lord A. Sugar). Whereas during the courtroom interview, the setting appears to be that of a localized courtroom, approximately a month after the incident. Mr Neill apparently caused a problem and was taken to court to hear the final verdict. Both events capture exams taking place between two people, one usually having more power than the other. In the job interview transcript, it clearly shows how interviews contain an authoritative figure; Additionally, many interviews usually take place in daily life to find out whether the company thinks the candidate is the right person for the job. Unlike the interview, where Claude seeks to know whether Ruth is suitable for the position, the courtroom trial shows a formal and civilized attitude, wanting...... middle of paper... ... meditated; towards the end, the turning point starts to become more apparent, meaning the balance of power is stabilizing. Some readers may also start to think that Ruth might actually be a liar, but I think that through Claude gaining more power, he is able to take time with his speech and not have to rush whereas (to get her point across) Ruth has to rush her response while trying to get her point across in a well-structured way. In the courtroom transcript, the lawyer has complete control due to his powerful position in society, meaning Mr. Neill can only challenge the lawyer's decisions or opinions, appealing by Mr. Neill. less than convincing. Power and authority play a crucial role in deciding an individual's status within the group and power is manifested through the ability to speak without interruption (guarding harmful expressions). Works Cited The Pocket English Dictionary