language investigation 1

Explore the different relationships amongst prison officers and prisoners through instrumental and influential power

Imperatives

In source C we see gender playing a big part power in discourse  'don’t come any closer else I'll shoot' Nikka uses the imperative 'Don't’ to insert her authority and power now she has the gun and can boss Michael around. The lexis 'shoot' is powerful in the sentence as she would expect Michael to do as she says to save his own life so she feels in full control. This goes against Robin Lackoff's theory that women use super polite forms in discourse as she is using a direct command to boss Michael around which shows her control in the situation. In Source B we see in the transcript instrumental power used; prison officer 'Bellick' demands the prisoners around 'open it' this imperative shows his instrumental power as he is an authoritative figure in the prison. 'Open it' is a direct command to the prisoners and shows he has the power as he can command them around without being challenged. This supports Waering’s theory of influential and instrumental power, This is an example of the prison hierarchy and how effective the use of imperatives are when having the authoritative power. On the other hand this goes against Deborah Tannen's theory that men negotiate status through discourse and search for power as the prisoners are passive because they know they have to comply with the command. Sara uses an imperative 'start an investigation' this suggests she feels she has more authoritative power than Bellick because she is bossing him around.The imperative has an affect on the audience as it gives a new perspective on the prison hierarchy. She commands the prison officers 'start' which shows the urgency of the situation. Bellick is so used to having prisoners used to doing what he says he doesn't expect to be bossed around ' oh, there's no need. We know what happened' this shows Bellick inserting his power in discourse. He feels as if he is more powerful because Sara is a nurse and that he is more respected and powerful. 

Modal verbs

In source C we see the use of modal verbs to regain power in discourse. Using modal verbs he gains control of the situation again. Michael uses his power to patronise Nikka ' no you won't' the personal pronoun makes it personal to her and will get her thinking about what she is doing this is all due to the power of the lexis used. Also the auxiliary verb 'won't' shows that Michael is in control this proves Fairclough's 'modal verb' theory to be true in this case .In source A  Lincoln uses modal verbs to show his influential power over his little brother ' It can't be done' the modal verb 'Can't' suggests that Lincoln is more powerful between the two as he is dictating what Michael does which is popular for an older brother. This complies with Fairclough's theory of auxiliary verbs demonstrate power as they are the mood of the subject in this case it happens it's a declarative sentence. This shows the audience that influence in the prison by a recognised figure is powerful.
Furthermore Lincoln shows the prison intelligence and status is a powerful aspect when it comes to prison life 'those plans you can't show people. Guys like Abruzzi' he is giving his little brother advice with an order, we can tell it's an order from the modal verb 'can't' which shows Lincoln's prison intelligence and gives him power over Michael in the conversation as Lincoln has been in prison for longer than him.  

Lexical choice 

 In source C we see Sara chose the words carefully to portray herself as an authoritative figure but at the same time polite 'thanks, guys, I'll take it from here' the lexis 'ill take it from here' shows her instrumental power in which again complies with Waering’s theory. But also supports Robin Lackoff's theory that females are more polite in discourse 'thanks' this shows her appreciation but a sense of oxymoron is included as the next sentence could be perceived as rude.

Insource B we see 'Sucre' talking to Michael about a problem with the toilet, Michael responds with 'So?' the rhetorical question shows Michaels total disregard to the problem at hand almost to say he is better than that he doesn't need to worry about little things. It also suggests that people of lower intelligence should be working with the toilets as he too good for that. The word 'So' is often used in a tone to make people seem like they don't care. Michael’s response gives an impression as to say 'fix it then' this shows his social power among the prisoners because he is deemed more intelligent than the rest of them and they need his intelligence therefore respect him and listen. On the other hand 'Sucre' responds by calling Michael 'fish' this is a derogatory term in prison for when someone is new in. Usually fishes won’t have much 'street smart' in prison and won't know the ropes. Sucre is challenging Michael's power because he is new and doesn't know much about prison. This complies with Brown and Levinson's theory of positive and negative face. Sucre is negative face as has the desire to not have his actions impeded. Sucre is using a saving face method by being insulting towards Michael therefore searching for social power amongst the prisoners even though he has more of a social reputation in prison.

We can also tell this by Michael's response 'boss' this shows he knows he is in a higher position than him but there is a sense of sarcasm portrayed therefore it shows that Bellick may have authoritative power but not any power socially as prison guards are number one enemy to the prisoners. Also we see another social class involved when the Pope asks Bellick a question ' is there a problem here, deputy?' this suggests that the Pope is reminding Bellick of his social class within the prison. The word 'deputy' patronises him and makes the Pope look even more powerful in an authoritative sense. This also complies with Waering's theory of instrumental power as the Pope has over ruled the prison officer.