This chapter introduces the background of the research topic and describes its scope in addition, the purpose and justification for the study are also discussed. It concludes by giving the biography of the author of the text.
1.1 Background to the study
Man is the most superior and unique of all the creatures in the entire creation, in terms of his wisdom, action, thought, though some animal or insects have been found to be wiser. Example is ant, man and animal share the same biological functions such as movements, growth etc.
However, what makes man different from animals is language, which is used for communication with members of their species. The animalsystem of communication are fixed example Dog Barks, Goat bleats etc. Thus, man is the only creatures that uses language intentionally and habitually (Crystal 1997:40).
1.4 SCOPE AND DELIMITATION OF THE STUDY This essay will focus on the elements of Discourse in the play with the aim of using the elements to bring out the underlying meaning of the text by examine how effective communication is maintained. There are many features of discourse analysis but the researcher will limit the analysis to the conversational features like discourse participants, turn taking, repetition, talk negotiation, ellipsis and substitution, topic change in SizweBansi is Dead 1.5 SIZWE BANSI IS DEAD: A REVIEW OF THE PLAYLET The text is written by Athol Fugard the author who carefully chose the title of the book intends to showcase the political messages without being dogmatic. He choose the play as his medium of speech because he felt that the theater enabled him to reach the largest number of people in Africa. His plays were staged in South Africa. Yet, strong, enough to have an important impact on the audience. He also show in the text the effective indictment of the. In humanity of authoritarian regimes through a compassionate, humorous examination of the every day lives of totally credible people. 1.6 BIOGRAPHY OF THE AUTHOR SizweBansi is Deadis aplay by Athol Fugard written collaboratively with two South African actors, John Kani and WistomNtshona, both of whom appeared in the original production, its world premiere occurred on October 8,1972 at the space theatre, cape-town, South Africa. This play is a direct reaction to Fugard's work as a law clerk at the native commissioner's court in Johannesburg where he saw blacks jailed daily for not having their pass-books in proper order. The Island, often produced with SizweBansi is Dead,The Island evaluates the strength of friendship in the face of oppressive regimes and altering circumstances
