Background of the Study
Audience design is a crucial concept in sociolinguistics, referring to the ways in which speakers adjust their language and discourse structure based on the characteristics and expectations of their listeners. In Hausa storytelling, traditional performers skillfully modify narrative elements to cater to diverse audiences, thereby reinforcing cultural values and communal identities (Abdullahi, 2023). These storytellers consider factors such as age, social status, and cultural familiarity when constructing their narratives, ensuring that the story is both engaging and comprehensible. The discourse structure in Hausa storytelling often features specific narrative devices, such as repetition, intonation shifts, and contextual elaboration, which are tailored to audience expectations (Sani, 2024). This adaptive process not only enhances the entertainment value of the performance but also facilitates the transmission of moral and historical knowledge. As contemporary influences challenge traditional storytelling practices, there is a need to examine how audience design continues to shape discourse structure among traditional Hausa performers. This study investigates the effect of audience design on narrative organization, exploring how storytellers negotiate audience engagement and cultural preservation in their performances (Abdullahi, 2023).
Statement of the Problem
While audience design is recognized as vital in shaping effective communication, its specific influence on the discourse structure of Hausa storytelling remains underexplored. Most existing research has focused on general narrative strategies without considering how audience expectations drive modifications in storytelling practices (Musa, 2024). This gap limits our understanding of the adaptive mechanisms employed by traditional performers in tailoring their narratives to diverse listeners. Additionally, rapid cultural and technological changes may alter audience profiles, further complicating traditional narrative techniques. The study aims to address these gaps by examining how audience design influences the discourse structure in Hausa storytelling, with a view to identifying strategies that sustain both engagement and cultural continuity.
Objectives of the Study
To identify the key elements of audience design in Hausa storytelling.
To analyze how these elements influence narrative structure.
To assess the impact of audience design on cultural transmission.
Research Questions
How do Hausa storytellers adapt their narratives based on audience characteristics?
What discourse structures are influenced by audience design?
How does audience design affect the effectiveness of cultural transmission?
Significance of the Study
This study is significant as it explores the interplay between audience design and narrative structure in traditional Hausa storytelling. The insights gained will contribute to the fields of sociolinguistics and cultural studies by illustrating how adaptive communication strategies support effective storytelling and cultural preservation. The findings will be valuable for educators, cultural practitioners, and researchers interested in the dynamics of audience engagement in traditional performance contexts (Abdullahi, 2023; Sani, 2024).
Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study is limited to traditional Hausa storytelling among established performers and does not include modern or digital adaptations.
Definitions of Terms
Audience Design: The process of tailoring communication to the needs and expectations of the listeners.
Discourse Structure: The framework that organizes narrative elements in communication.
Hausa Storytelling: Traditional oral narrative practices among the Hausa people.
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