TOPIC DEFENSE
Master of Arts in English
Proposed Title:
Pragmatic Features of Prayer Among Central Philippine Adventist College
Third-Year English Major Students: A Discourse Analysis
Presented by:
Jonel C. Carballo
CHAPTER I: INTRODUCTION
Christian prayer is a fundamental practice in the Christian faith, acting as a crucial
method for believers to communicate with God. It plays a significant role in fostering
spiritual connection, seeking guidance, and expressing worship. Despite its central
importance to millions of Christians globally, there is a lack of extensive empirical
research exploring the various dimensions of Christian prayer. Especially in an
Adventist setting, Seventh-day Adventists place a strong emphasis on the importance of
prayer in their spiritual lives. Ellen G. White's "Steps to Christ" (1942) underscores
prayer as essential for developing a personal relationship with God. The book teaches
that prayer is not just a ritual but a means of communication with the Creator, enabling
individuals to experience God's love and guidance in their lives.
Prayer is an important aspect of Christianity but it does not have a significant
amount of attention in terms of research from a pragmatic point of view. Studying this
area will be a great benefit to the linguistic community. There is a knowledge gap in this
area as what True (2023) asserted that despite the widespread practice of Christian
prayer and its influence on language, there is a lack of research on the pragmatic aspects
of prayer, such as how prayer functions in communication and interaction.
There's also a methodological gap in how linguists study Christian prayer.
Existing research methods often struggle to capture the intricate relationship between
prayer practices and language use. While current methods might analyze language itself,
they may miss the impact of prayer on discourse patterns, communication strategies,
and the deeper meaning conveyed beyond literal words. To bridge this gap, I attempt to
develop or adapt methods that can delve into the nuances of prayer within its specific
linguistic context. Furthermore, relying solely on one type of research method, like
surveys or interviews, might limit understanding. A more comprehensive approach that
combines qualitative methods approach, such as pragmatic analysis, interviews, and
observation, is necessary to fully grasp the role of Christian prayer in shaping language
and communication dynamics (True, 2023; Miles, 2017).
This study focuses on the pragmatic angle in relation to prayer, pragmatics delves
into how we use language in everyday situations to create meaning that goes beyond the
literal words themselves. It considers the context of the conversation, the speaker's
intent, established social norms, and cultural backgrounds to understand how a message
is interpreted (Levinson, 2018). This study will utilize discourse analysis and interview
to get a closer look at how language works in real life by examining how people acquire
languages, how they use them, and what teaching methods work best.
This study will dive into the specific ways Christian students at an Adventist
college express themselves in prayer. It focuses on aspects of pragmatics, the study of
language use in real-world settings. Specifically, the study will examine how prayer acts
as a type of "speech act" – a form of language used to perform an action (like thanking,
requesting, or praising). Scholars like Ravelli (2010), suggest using speech act theory to
understand prayer better. This approach analyzes prayer as a specific type of
communication, similar to making a request or expressing gratitude. It focuses on two
key aspects: 1) the speaker's intended goal (like asking for something, giving thanks, or
admitting faults) and 2) how the way they word their prayer influences how it's received
by the deity or whoever they're praying to (Wierzbicka, 1983). Additionally, it will
explore how elements of "linguistic politeness" are used within these prayers. By
analyzing these features, the study aims to provide a detailed description of the language
students use when they pray on campus.
Statement of the Problem:
This study aimed to find out the pragmatic features of prayer among third year
English major students in Central Philippine Adventist College. The study aims to answer
the following questions:
1. What types of speech acts are characteristically employed by students at Central
Philippine Adventist College in their prayers?
2. What contributes to the variations in speech acts in the students’ prayers?
3. What influences the students to utilize speech acts in their prayers?
Significance of the study
SASED Students. This study can help SASED students by showing them how prayer
works as communication. This can improve their spiritual experiences and understanding
of religious language. It can make their prayers more meaningful and strengthen their
theological knowledge.
SASED Teachers. SASED teachers can use this study to improve their teaching. It shows
prayer as a communicative act and how language works in religion. This can help
them develop new teaching methods and lead discussions about prayer and language.
English Department. The English department can learn from this study about how
language and religion connect. Understanding prayer communication can broaden their
view of language use. This can improve their teaching methods and help them analyze
religious literature better.
CPAC Church. The CPAC church can use this study to understand student prayer
practices better. This can help them develop better pastoral care programs and spiritual
development activities. Knowing how prayer works as communication can enrich
worship experiences and strengthen the church community.
Future Researchers. Future researchers in pragmatics, religious studies, or linguistics can
build on this study. It provides a method for studying prayer communication and shows
the importance of using both quantitative and qualitative research methods. This study
can inspire future research to understand religious language use better.
Scope and Limitation of The Study
The scope of this study centers on investigating the pragmatic features of prayer
among third-year English major students at Central Philippine Adventist College.
Specifically, the research focuses on understanding how speech acts, manifest in the
prayers of Adventist third-year English major students. Utilizing a discourse analysis
approach, the study aims to provide an in-depth exploration of prayer practices within
this specific demographic. Data collection is facilitated through recording and
transcribing students’ prayers and answers from a validated interview questionnaire
tailored to elicit responses related to speech acts in prayer. Data collection is facilitated
through the recording and transcribing the prayers and validated interview questionnaire
tailored to elicit responses related to
However, the study's scope is limited to Adventist third-year English major
students enrolled in the second semester academic year 2023 – 2024 at Central
Philippine Adventist College, which may restrict the generalizability of findings to other
populations.
Furthermore, the research solely considers the pragmatic aspects of prayer and
does not delve into broader theological or spiritual dimensions. Additionally, the study
does not take into account respondents' sex, socio-economic status, or residence,
focusing solely on their religion, course, and year level, which may impact the
comprehensiveness of the analysis.
CHAPTER 2: REVIEW OF LITERATURE AND RELATED STUDIES
Pragmatics refers to the exploration of language usage, emphasizing how the
context shapes the understanding of communication. It delves into how speakers employ
language to achieve particular communication objectives within social contexts. This
field encompasses various elements, including speech acts, implied meanings in
conversations, strategies for politeness, and indicators in discourse. Additionally,
pragmatics acknowledges the influence of cultural and situational elements on
communication norms and anticipations. In essence, pragmatics offers valuable insights
into how individuals effectively communicate within social settings by adapting
language to suit the context.
Closely related to pragmatics and relevant to this study is the field of
sociolinguistics, sociolinguistics is the exploration of the connection between language
and society. It delves into the way language usage differs among diverse social groups,
communities, and situations, and how factors like gender, ethnicity, social status, and
personal identity shape language patterns. Sociolinguistics delves into inquiries
regarding language diversity and evolution, attitudes and beliefs surrounding language,
multilingualism and language contact, and the development of language policies and
strategies. By examining the intricate relationship between language and society,
sociolinguistics illuminates the social, cultural, and political aspects of language usage
and enhances our comprehension of human communication and interaction (Bell, 2013).
Prayer denotes a method of communication, whether vocalized or internalized,
directed towards a deity or a transcendent force. It encompasses a range of verbal
expressions, including requests, expressions of gratitude, admissions of wrongdoing,
and pleas for intervention, through which individuals establish a connection with the
divine, articulate their faith, solicit guidance, or engage in religious rites. Typically,
intimate and individualized, prayer mirrors the spiritual convictions, sentiments, and
encounters of the person offering it. Besides its religious import, prayer fulfills
communal roles within religious groups by promoting cohesion, camaraderie, and a
shared sense of belonging among adherents (Richardson, Mueller, & Pihlaja, 2021).
Richardson, Mueller, & Pihlaja (2021) suggest that individuals' language
selections during prayer are diverse, encompassing various linguistic forms and
communication strategies tailored to their personal beliefs, spiritual rituals, and cultural
context. These choices may involve the use of formal or informal language, traditional
religious terminology, personal anecdotes, metaphors, and symbolic expressions.
Moreover, individuals may reference religious texts, hymns, or established prayers,
adapting them to meet their specific needs and intentions. The tone, style, and content of
prayers can also vary depending on the setting, whether it's private devotion, communal
worship, or ceremonial occasions. In essence, the language employed in prayer reflects
the intricate interplay of individual faith, cultural heritage, and societal influences,
shaping one's connection with the divine and their religious community.
Prayer occupies a central and irreplaceable position in the spiritual lives of
individuals within religious contexts. It serves as a deep and intimate form of
communication with divine or sacred entities, enabling adherents to articulate their
innermost thoughts, feelings, and spiritual yearnings. Hoshikawa stresses that prayer not
only enables a personal connection with the transcendent but also cultivates a sense of
significance, direction, and existential satisfaction. Additionally, prayer assumes a
critical role in religious ceremonies, rituals, and communal worship, contributing to the
reinforcement of bonds among religious communities and the reaffirmation of shared
beliefs and principles. Hoshikawa's examination underscores the profound importance
of prayer as a fundamental element in religious customs, highlighting its capacity to
profoundly influence individual spirituality and promote unity within religious groups
(Hoshikawa, 2017). The previous research strongly suggests that prayer serves as a lens
through which one can gain insight into both Christianity as a religion and the
individuals who practice it.
In the field of pragmatics, Austin's seminal publication in 1962, which delved into
the concept of "doing things with words," laid the groundwork for subsequent scholarly
inquiries. He introduced the notion of "performatives" to categorize utterances that
enact actions. Building upon Austin's framework, Searle further developed this concept
in
1969,
delineating
speech
acts
into
five
distinct
categories.
Finegan (2015) outlines five primary categories for speech acts. Assertives encompass
statements or affirmations regarding the world, conveying information, describing
scenarios, or expressing beliefs. Directives aim to influence the recipient's actions,
whether through requests, commands, advice, or persuasion. Commissives involve
commitments to future actions or responsibilities, such as promises, pledges, vows, or
commitments. Expressives convey the speaker's internal psychological states, emotions,
attitudes, or feelings rather than objective information about the external world.
Declarations, on the other hand, have a performative function, initiating changes in the
external reality by their utterance. These classifications offer a structured framework for
comprehending the varied functions and intentions inherent in speech acts within
communication contexts.
Searle (1969) explicates, prayer as a "performative" in his work on speech acts,
stressing its role as an action executed through language. He classifies prayer within the
framework of speech acts, where language goes beyond conveying information to
performing specific actions. According to Searle, prayer encompasses various functions,
such as making requests, expressing gratitude, or seeking forgiveness, achieved through
speaking or writing.
Searle's theory outlines five categories of speech acts: assertives, directives,
commissives, expressives, and declarations. Within this framework, prayer fits into
different categories depending on its purpose. For instance, prayers expressing gratitude
are classified as expressives, while those seeking divine intervention are considered
directives.
By conceptualizing prayer as a performative speech act, Searle underscores
language's active role in religious rituals. Rather than mere communication, prayer
becomes a tool for performing actions within a religious context, such as seeking
guidance or affirming beliefs. This perspective deepens our understanding of prayer as a
dynamic practice that shapes individuals' beliefs and experiences through linguistic
expression.
In essence, Austin's (1962) exploration of performatives and Searle's (1969)
categorization of speech acts provide crucial groundwork for understanding the
dynamics of language use, particularly in contexts like Christian prayer. They illuminate
how utterances have the power to enact actions through language, underscoring their
significance even within the realm of religious practices such as prayer (True, 2023).
Culpeper, Haugh, and Kadar (2017) outline linguistic politeness as a multifaceted
framework for understanding how language operates in social interactions and
relationships. They underscore that linguistic politeness involves using language
strategically to prevent potential threats to one's social standing and promote positive
social interactions. This strategy requires navigating power dynamics, social norms, and
cultural expectations within each communicative exchange. The authors stress that
linguistic politeness varies depending on the context, influenced by cultural and social
factors. They also discuss various politeness strategies, including deference, solidarity,
and minimizing imposition, which individuals utilize to navigate social hierarchies and
interpersonal dynamics. Through their thorough exploration, Culpeper, Haugh, and
Kadar illuminate how language functions as a tool for negotiating social interactions
and shaping relationships, highlighting the significance of linguistic politeness in
interpersonal communication.
This study is influenced by politeness conventions due to the nature of the
relationship individuals maintain with God and the language they select to communicate
with Him.
Bell (2013) suggests that linguistic politeness can be understood in both positive
and negative contexts. Positive politeness involves strategies that emphasize solidarity,
friendliness, and rapport among speakers. These approaches aim to foster social
harmony and maintain positive relationships by demonstrating respect, empathy, and
consideration for others' feelings and desires. Conversely, negative politeness strategies
aim to minimize imposition and avoid intrusiveness in social interactions. These
methods prioritize preserving individuals' autonomy, privacy, and personal space by
using deferential language and minimizing actions that could threaten someone's selfesteem. Overall, Bell's perspective underscores the nuanced nature of linguistic
politeness, which can manifest positively or negatively depending on the specific social
context and cultural norms.
Jingwei (2013) delves into the pragmatic functions of hedges and politeness
principles, with a specific focus on negative politeness. Negative politeness involves
employing strategies to minimize imposition and avoid being overly intrusive in social
interactions. Jingwei outlines various linguistic methods through which negative
politeness can be expressed. A primary tactic is the use of hedges, which are linguistic
devices designed to soften the impact of statements or convey a degree of uncertainty.
These hedges help mitigate any potential threat to the interlocutor's face or sense of
autonomy by introducing an element of tentativeness or caution. For instance, phrases
like "I'm not entirely certain, but..." or "Maybe we could consider..." are examples of
how hedges can be used to make suggestions or requests without imposing too
forcefully on the other person's preferences or beliefs.
In Jingwei's (2013) exploration of hedges and politeness principles, hedges
emerge as linguistic tools serving to mitigate the impact of statements or convey an
element of uncertainty, ultimately aiming to foster social harmony and prevent
disagreements. These hedges are broadly classified into two categories: shields and
approximators.
Within the shield category, one type stands out: plausibility shields. Plausibility
shields operate by lending credibility or likelihood to a statement, rendering it more
acceptable or believable to the recipient. These shields are strategically employed to
reinforce the validity of an assertion or proposition, particularly in situations where
doubt or skepticism may arise from the listener. Examples of plausibility shields
encompass phrases like "It's possible that...", "It seems likely that...", or "There's a
chance that...". Through the use of plausibility shields, speakers aim to preempt
potential resistance or disagreement from their audience by framing their ideas as
plausible or reasonable, thereby minimizing the risk of conflict or dissent in the
dialogue (Jingwei, 2013).
Religious language, within linguistic discourse, refers specifically to the
terminology and linguistic conventions associated with Christianity and the religious
communities that employ such language. Halbband (1987) explains religious language
refers to the specialized lexicon, linguistic forms, and communicative customs
employed in religious settings and among religious groups. This includes the specific
terms, figurative language, and rhetorical techniques found in religious scriptures,
ceremonies, and traditions. The purpose of religious language is to articulate theological
ideas, ethical principles, spiritual insights, and communal ideals inherent in religious
belief systems. It often conveys a sense of reverence, sanctity, and symbolic importance
associated with religious practices and doctrines. Similarly, Hobbs (2021) describes the
connection that language (specifically religious) has to ideology and group identity.
Halbband (1987) validates this correlation in his study of religious language by
elucidating the concept of "sociolinguistic competence." This concept suggests that
individuals within specific communities are acknowledged based on their adeptness in
employing the appropriate language and exhibiting the expected behavior.
Hobbs (2021) emphasizes the crucial significance of religious language within religious
communities, highlighting its central role in communicating and expressing faith,
beliefs, and values among believers. He argues that religious language goes beyond
mere communication, forming an integral part of the spiritual and communal identity of
individuals within religious groups. According to Hobbs, religious language enables the
expression of sacred truths, doctrines, and narratives that shape the collective worldview
and practices of the community.
Even within Christian evangelical communities where members may not be
familiar with linguistic terminology, the significance of religious language remains
apparent. In such communities, there is a common usage of the term "Christianese" to
describe the specialized jargon unique to their religious beliefs and practices (True,
2023). Seventh-day Adventists highly prioritize prayer as a crucial aspect of their
spiritual journey. In Ellen G. White's "Steps to Christ" (1942), prayer emerges as
fundamental for fostering a deep connection with God. White emphasizes that prayer
goes beyond mere tradition; it serves as a direct channel of communication with the
Divine, offering believers an avenue to encounter God's love and receive His guidance
in their daily lives. Likewise, Maxwell (1999), emphasizes that there's a passionate plea
for a resurgence of prayer, stressing its potential to ignite both individual and collective
revival. Maxwell underscores prayer as a force for catalyzing spiritual renewal and
metamorphosis, urging followers to pursue a sincere and fervent connection with the
Divine through prayer.
Hoshikawa and Staudigl (2017) argue that conventional philosophical approaches
often regard prayer as an observable phenomenon, subject to external analysis. In
contrast, cognitive perspectives, drawing from linguistic philosophy, view religious
language, including prayer, as a tool for individuals to construct and negotiate their selfconception, place in society, and relationships within their communities. This
perspective sees prayer not merely as a series of actions or words but as a means for
individuals to express and shape their identity, beliefs, values, and social roles. By
analyzing the language employed in prayer, cognitive perspectives aim to reveal the
underlying cognitive mechanisms and conceptual frameworks that inform individuals'
religious experiences and perspectives. Essentially, prayer is understood as a linguistic
medium that offers insights into how individuals understand and navigate their
existential, social, and spiritual realms.
This research acknowledges the insights offered by cognitive linguistic
viewpoints but opts to examine the phenomenon through a pragmatic and
sociolinguistic lens.
In the discourse surrounding Christianity and prayer, there are several key studies
that play a crucial role in contextualizing my research. Hobbs (2021) highlights
language as crucial for studying the connection between ideology, group identity, and
religion. Religious beliefs, rituals, and values are expressed through language, reflecting
underlying ideologies and community identities. Analyzing language in religious
contexts provides insights into core beliefs, cultural values, and social dynamics. This
underscores the intrinsic link between religion and language, emphasizing linguistic
analysis in understanding religious phenomena.
Rowland (2019) examines children's religious vocabulary in prayer across three
UK schools, focusing on contemporary Christian prayers rather than traditional biblical
ones. Through a small-scale case study, Rowland delves into the language used by
children during prayer sessions to understand their expression of religious concepts and
beliefs. The research sheds light on how children incorporate religious language into
prayers, reflecting their engagement with Christian teachings and traditions, offering
insights into linguistic and theological development in educational contexts. Rowland's
study has implications for religious education and theology, informing educators,
clergy, and parents about children's spiritual development and emphasizing the
significance of religious vocabulary in shaping their religious experiences.
Contrary to expectations, Rowland's research revealed no correlation between age
and the use of religious language in prayers. While initially anticipating that older
children, having more exposure to religious vocabulary, would incorporate it more
frequently, the study found the opposite trend. Surprisingly, younger children
consistently utilized religious language more often. This suggests that age alone does
not dictate the extent of religious language usage in prayers; rather, it underscores the
influence of religious socialization on children's linguistic expressions in religious
contexts (True, 2023).
Pusztai & Zsuzsanna (2019) and Schmidt, Graaf, & Müller (2014) both explore
the concept of religious socialization, which involves imparting religious beliefs, values,
and practices through institutional channels. Pusztai & Zsuzsanna's study investigates
religious socialization by interviewing young adults to discern how their upbringing
shapes their religious outlook and behaviors. Employing qualitative methods, they
examine the roles of family, education, and religious institutions in molding individuals'
religious identity during their developmental years.
Schmidt, Graaf, & Müller (2014), analyze the societal factors contributing to
effective religious socialization. They move beyond national religiosity levels to
uncover additional reasons why certain societies foster a robust environment for
religious upbringing. Through empirical analysis, they scrutinize diverse socio-cultural
elements, including family dynamics, educational structures, and religious institutions,
to comprehend their impact on religious socialization across various cultural contexts.
Their findings offer valuable insights into the intricate dynamics of societal influences
on religious upbringing, elucidating the mechanisms driving the process of religious
socialization.
Another study made by Grossoehme, VanDyke, Jacobson, Cotton, Ragsdale, and
Seid (2010) they conducted a study examining written prayers by individuals at a
pediatric hospital. Their aim was to determine whether these prayers contained
emotional expressions, including both positive and negative emotions, as well as casual
statements and insights. They hypothesized that the prayers would reveal emotional
disclosures, reflecting the psychological states of the writers. Through linguistic
analysis, the study sought to identify patterns and themes in the prayers to gain insight
into the emotional experiences and coping strategies of individuals dealing with
challenging situations in a hospital environment.
The study's findings provide insights into prayer, an area often lacking in
extensive data, and underscore the role of emotions in prayer. Although not directly
relevant to the current study, several intriguing findings emerged. Notably, patients
depicted God in their written prayers as accessible, interested in their concerns, and
expected to be responsive.
Indeed, a noteworthy discovery highlighted by the
researcher was that within the written prayers, patients expressed a distinct portrayal of
a “God, who was accessible to them, interested in their concerns, and was expected to
be responsive to them” and “did not need to be informed of the person’s condition, but
already knew it” (Grossoehme et al., 2010). While this excerpt offers only a glimpse
into the study, it unveils a specific area of inquiry: understanding participants'
perceptions of God through their prayers.
In preceding studies on pragmatics, sociolinguistics, and Christian prayer, a
recurrent theme underscores the inseparable link between language and identity. As
what Halbband, 1987 expounds, that within the Christian community, there exists a a
specific repertoire that allows individuals to reaffirm their connection and membership
to the group, even in their prayers. These linguistic preferences serve as markers of
group affiliation and inclusion.
This phenomenon is observable in various studies discussed earlier and holds
significance for the examination of prayer, particularly within the context of a religious
institution like Central Philippine Adventist College in this case study.
The prevailing theme across previous literature consistently highlights prayer as a
fundamental aspect of religion, providing insight into individuals' religious beliefs,
perceptions of God, and the dynamics within religious institutions. This holds
particularly true for Christianity, where the emphasis on communication with God
underscores the significance of prayer within Christian communities. Through the
simple act of prayer, Christians reveal their perception of God through their choice of
language (Grossoehme et al., 2010). Ultimately, prayer emerges as a central focus of
religious practice and serves as a valuable avenue for researching specific religious
communities like Christianity (True, 2023).
Synthesis
Pragmatics explores how language usage is shaped by context, focusing on
achieving communication goals within social settings. Sociolinguistics studies the
relationship between language and society, examining how language varies across
social groups and situations. It delves into questions about language diversity, attitudes,
multilingualism, and language policies. Religious language encompasses specialized
vocabulary and discourse conventions within religious contexts, reflecting sacred truths
and community values. Prayer serves as a means of communication with the divine,
reflecting personal beliefs and fostering communal unity. Linguistic politeness, studied
within pragmatics, involves using language strategically to maintain positive social
interactions. It can be positive, emphasizing rapport, or negative, minimizing
imposition. Hedges, a politeness strategy, soften statements or convey uncertainty to
preserve social harmony. Shields, a type of hedge, bolster the credibility of a statement,
making it more acceptable to the listener. Overall, religious language, prayer, and
politeness strategies offer insights into the interplay between language, identity, and
social dynamics within religious communities.
Theoretical Framework
This research paper is primarily based on John Searle’s Speech Acts Theory.
John Searle (1969) introduced the theory of speech acts, which significantly
transformed the comprehension of language and communication. According to Searle
(1969) utterances not only convey information but also carry out actions or functions,
termed speech acts, within specific social contexts. These speech acts encompass a
broad spectrum of actions, including making statements, posing questions, issuing
commands, and offering promises.
Searle (1969) proposition of the theory of speech acts provided a comprehensive
framework for scrutinizing language use in social interactions. His theory has had a
profound impact across various disciplines, including linguistics, philosophy,
communication studies, and psychology. It has shaped our understanding of how
language operates as a tool for executing actions, navigating social connections, and
exerting influence in diverse social and cultural settings.
In the context of prayer, Searle (1969) proposition of speech acts becomes
particularly relevant as it elucidates how language is employed not only to convey
beliefs or express devotion but also to enact specific actions or functions within the
religious domain. Prayers can be understood as a form of illocutionary act, wherein the
speaker intends to perform certain actions or achieve particular effects through their
utterances.
Searle categorizes speech acts into different types, including assertives, directives,
commissives, expressives, and declaratives. Each type represents a distinct function or
intention behind the utterance. For example, prayers may involve assertive acts when
believers make statements about their faith or express gratitude towards God. They may
also encompass directive acts when individuals make requests or supplications to God,
seeking guidance or assistance. Moreover, Searle's classification highlights the
performative aspect of language, emphasizing that utterances have the power to bring
about changes in the world or influence the behavior of others. This perspective is
particularly relevant to the study of prayer, as it underscores the transformative potential
of language in fostering spiritual experiences, shaping religious practices, and
strengthening believers' connections with the divine (True, 2023).
Conceptual Framework
In this study involving third-year English major students at Central Philippine
Adventist College (CPAC), the investigation focuses on the types of speech acts typically
employed, utilized within students’ prayers. Drawing from John Searle's seminal work on
speech acts, the classification of speech acts provides a foundational framework for
understanding language use in various contexts, including Christian prayer. Searle's
framework elucidates how language functions not only to convey beliefs or express
devotion but also to enact specific actions or functions within the religious domain. For
example, prayers can be seen as a form of illocutionary act, where speakers intend to
achieve particular effects through their utterances, such as making assertions about faith
or expressing gratitude towards God.
Through Searle's theoretical framework the study seeks to deepen our
understanding of how language functions in religious contexts, contributing to the
broader discourse on language use, communication, and spirituality.
Research Paradigm
Pragmatics of Prayer
 The types of speech acts
Searle’s
Speech Acts
characteristically employed by
students at Central Philippine
Adventist College in their
prayers.
 Factors that contribute to the
variations in speech acts in the
students’ prayers
 Factors that influence the students
to utilize speech acts in their
prayers
CHAPTER 3: METHODOLOGY
Research Design
This research employs a qualitative research design to explore and understand the
intricate dynamics of prayer and pragmatics. Qualitative research entails a
methodological strategy aimed at delving into and comprehending individuals'
subjective encounters, convictions, actions, and perspectives within their everyday
environments (Creswell, 2013). This methodology underscores the acquisition of
comprehensive and intricate data utilizing techniques such as interviews, observations,
and textual analysis, intending to reveal subtle insights and significances.
Discourse analysis encompasses a thorough method for grasping language
utilization across diverse settings. It entails scrutinizing both spoken and written
exchanges to reveal recurrent patterns, organizational frameworks, and implicit
implications. This analytical approach transcends mere word or sentence dissection; it
endeavors to grasp how language shapes social constructs, molds identities, and impacts
power dynamics across a spectrum of social, cultural, and institutional environments
(Hodge, et. al., 2008).
Merriam and Tisdell (2015) underscore the importance of qualitative research
methodologies, such as case studies, in obtaining profound insights into languagerelated occurrences. They likely accentuate how these methodologies allow for a
meticulous investigation of language-related matters, providing exhaustive and detailed
perspectives into the intricacies of language education and learning processes. Through
qualitative approaches like discourse analysis, it presents an efficient method for
language research as it furnishes a thorough framework to explore the utilization,
organization, and interpretation of language across diverse contexts.
Research Locale
This research will take place at Central Philippine Adventist College, located in
Alegria, Murcia Negros Occidental, Philippines, offering a distinct environment for
investigation. As a Christian establishment, the college is deeply entrenched in Christian
principles, influencing the daily interactions and routines of both students and faculty.
The study will be conducted during the second semester of the academic year 20232024.
Specifically, the research will focus on third-year English major students, who are
immersed in both linguistic studies and the Christian values upheld by the institution.
With an emphasis on variables such as the dynamics of prayer and pragmatics,
including Speech Acts, Linguistic Politeness, and Sociolinguistic Variables, Central
Philippine Adventist College presents an ideal setting for exploration.
The Christian atmosphere of the college is likely to have a significant impact on
students' language practices, attitudes, and behaviors, particularly concerning prayer and
linguistic etiquette. The integration of faith into academic and social spheres can
influence language use across various contexts, offering a unique perspective on the
intersection of language and religious beliefs within an educational framework. This
research aims to unveil valuable insights into the influence of religious convictions and
practices on language dynamics, thus enriching our understanding of language within
diverse cultural and religious settings.
Population and Sampling
The population of the study refers to the entire group of individuals that the
researcher aims to investigate or draw conclusions about. In this case, the population of
the study consists of third-year English major students at Central Philippine Adventist
College in Alegria, Murcia Negros Occidental, Philippines, during the second semester
of the academic year 2023-2024. These students are immersed in both linguistic studies
and the Christian ethos of the institution.
However, for practical reasons or due to constraints such as time and resources,
researchers often select a subset of the population to participate in the study. This subset
is known as the sample. The population under investigation for this study comprises
sixteen third year English-major students at the Central Philippine Adventist College
(CPAC). The sampling technique employed for this study is simple purposive sampling
consisting of thirteen females and three males.
Purposive sampling involves deliberately selecting participants or cases
according to predetermined criteria that align with the research question or goals,
without relying on random selection. Morse (1994) expounds that purposive sampling in
discourse analysis enables researchers to choose participants or texts according to
particular criteria aligned with their research inquiries, ensuring that the sample directly
addresses the study's aims. This focused method increases the chances of gathering
varied viewpoints, comprehensive data, and intricate language usage within the selected
discourse, ultimately supporting a more thorough analysis and a heightened
comprehension of the subject under scrutiny.
Instrumentation
Drawing from the collective agreement in research that views prayer as a precise
and pivotal avenue for understanding Christianity, the researcher primarily focused on
investigating pragmatic elements within Christian prayers.
Additionally, the study incorporated self-referential accounts regarding prayer
definitions and participants' religious backgrounds. To delve into this subject
comprehensively, the researcher opted for employing multiple data collection methods
to ensure triangulation.
Guion, Diehl, & McDonald (2011) points that triangulation involves the use of
multiple data sources, methods, investigators, and theories to corroborate findings and
enhance the credibility and trustworthiness of research outcomes. By employing
triangulation, researchers can mitigate bias, validate interpretations, and ensure the
robustness of their qualitative inquiries. The study underscores the importance of
triangulation in qualitative studies, emphasizing its role in strengthening the validity and
reliability of research findings.
The researcher gathered data from multiple sources, including interviews, field
notes taken during on-campus chapels and classes, and recorded samples of prayers.
This approach allowed for a comprehensive exploration of prayer practices within the
context of the study. By utilizing diverse data sources, the researcher could triangulate
findings, corroborating insights from different perspectives and enhancing the validity
and reliability of the research outcomes. The interviews provided rich qualitative data,
offering insights into participants' beliefs, experiences, and perceptions related to
prayer.
The researcher adapted a validated interview questionnaire from True (2023)
that involves inquiries regarding the person's understanding of prayer and their religious
background. Paltridge and Phakiti (2010) underscore the significance of interviews as a
means to delve deeply into key constructs within a research study. They emphasize that
interviews offer a unique opportunity for participants to freely express their insights and
perspectives on the topic under investigation. Unlike other data collection methods,
such as surveys or questionnaires, interviews allow for interactive dialogue between the
researcher and the participant, enabling a richer exploration of complex ideas and
experiences. This interactive nature of interviews fosters a more nuanced understanding
of the subject matter by encouraging participants to articulate their thoughts, feelings,
and beliefs in their own words.
The interview questions were formulated to provide a framework for the
interview process without restricting the participants' responses or the duration of the
interview. The researcher permitted the participants to guide the direction of the
interview based on their responses, allowing the data to unfold naturally. The interview
questions can be found in Appendix A for reference.
In addition to the interview questions, the researcher gathered prayer samples
from participants by allowing them to pray aloud in their preferred environment, either
alone or with the principal investigator present, with their consent. Participants were
given the freedom to choose their prayer topic or request one, with no constraints on
duration or content. Written prayer samples from recent periods were also requested, if
available.
Alongside the spoken and written prayer samples, the researcher compiled field
notes from daily chapel services, prayer-related classes, and miscellaneous
conversations with other students. These notes included instructions on prayer given by
professors or chapel speakers, aimed at understanding the religious guidance provided
to students regarding prayer. While acknowledging the impossibility of eliminating all
influencing factors, the researcher believes the collected data will yield valuable insights
into language use within the community, particularly in the context of prayer. This
study received approval from the IRB.
Data Gathering Procedure
To further explore the relationship between prayer and pragmatics, the researcher
conducted a discourse analysis study at Central Philippine Adventist College. The
research comprised interviews with sixteen third-year English-major students who selfidentified as actively practicing Seventh-Day Adventist Christians. These participants,
comprising thirteen females and three males, were selected through personal contacts of
the principal investigator and willingly volunteered to participate in the study.
The researcher begins the study after sending a letter of intent to the academic
affairs office and the dean of the department. The letter outlines the study's aims and
methods. Upon receiving approval, the process shifts to the participants, where potential
respondents fitting predefined criteria are identified and briefed about the study's
objectives and procedures, followed by the collection of signed informed consent forms.
Subsequently, data collection commences with the recording of participants' prayers and
conducting in-depth interviews and observations to capture the nuances of their prayer
practices.
The researcher utilized a validated questionnaire from True (2023) Prayer
Interview Design/Structure, during the interviews, participants were asked open-ended
questions about their religious background, upbringing, and personal experiences with
prayer. The questions ranged from simple inquiries to more complex topics, aiming to
elicit a comprehensive understanding of each participant's perspective on prayer. These
discussions provided insight into the participants' definitions of prayer and the
contextual factors shaping their religious beliefs.
Once the data gathering phase concludes, transcription, coding, and thematization
take center stage, enabling the systematic organization and analysis of the collected data
to unveil underlying themes and patterns.
Ethical Considerations
The ethical consideration in this research process is ensuring the informed
consent of participants at various stages. Starting from the administration of the
validated questionnaires, participants should be provided with clear and comprehensible
consent letters outlining the purpose, procedures, potential risks, and benefits of their
participation. This informed consent should emphasize voluntariness, confidentiality,
and the right to withdraw from the study without consequences.
Additionally, participants should be informed that their data will be encoded and
analyzed anonymously, respecting their privacy. Throughout the research, maintaining
transparency and obtaining informed consent not only upholds ethical standards but also
ensures the well-being and autonomy of the participants in contributing to the study.
Analysis of the Data
To analyze Research Question 1, focusing on the types of speech acts commonly
employed by students at Central Philippine Adventist College in their prayers, the
researcher will transcribe participants' prayers and identify the speech acts present.
Utilizing Searle's taxonomy of speech acts as a theoretical framework, the researcher
will categorize them into illocutionary types such as directives, assertives, commissives,
expressives, and declarations. Through systematic analysis of the transcripts, the
researcher will discern patterns and frequencies of these speech acts within the students'
prayers.
Searle (1969) categorizes illocutionary acts into several groups; including
assertives, which are statements designed to convey information or assert claims;
directives, are speech acts aimed at prompting the listener to take action; commissives,
which pertains to utterances that bind the speaker to a future course of action;
expressives, which refers to statements expressing the speaker's psychological state or
attitude; and declaratives, speech acts that bring about a change in the world through
their utterance.
For Research Question 2, aiming to comprehend the factors contributing to
variations in speech acts within the students' prayers, the researcher will conduct a
thematic analysis of the interview data. This analysis will delve into participants'
perceptions and experiences concerning prayer practices. Themes related to contextual
factors shaping speech acts, including cultural norms, religious beliefs, personal
experiences, and situational contexts, will be identified. Additionally, the researcher
will explore how individual differences and interpersonal dynamics influence the use of
speech acts in prayer.
Thematic analysis is a qualitative research approach employed to detect, examine,
and present patterns or themes within a dataset. It entails methodically arranging and
interpreting qualitative data, such as interview transcripts, field notes, or survey
responses, to recognize recurring patterns, concepts, or ideas pertinent to the research
aims. Thematic analysis enables researchers to unveil hidden meanings, grasp
participants' viewpoints, and produce comprehensive, detailed understandings of the
phenomenon being studied (Braun & Clark, 2006).
Lastly, for Research Question 3, investigating the influences behind students' use
of speech acts in their prayers, the researcher intends to employ thematic analysis in
examining the discourse of students' prayers, systematically reviewing transcripts of
their verbal prayers, field notes documenting prayer-related events on campus, and any
written prayer excerpts submitted by participants. Adhering to the procedural steps of
thematic analysis, the researcher will categorize significant portions of the discourse
data to discern recurring patterns, themes, and underlying meanings pertaining to prayer
rituals. Through the organization and interpretation of these categorized elements into
cohesive themes, the researcher’s goal is to reveal the varied perspectives, convictions,
and encounters that influence the prayer practices of students at Central Philippine
Adventist College. This method promises a thorough investigation into the pragmatic
aspects of Christian prayers, offering profound insights into the significance of prayer in
the lives of the participants. Moreover, insights from field notes documenting prayerrelated instructions and guidance provided by professors and chapel speakers will be
integrated to offer a holistic understanding of the factors molding students' prayer
practices.
APPENDICES
Appendix A
Prayer Interview Design/Structure (True, 2023)
Principal investigator: State date/time, name, and pseudonym. Participant: List name, age, gender, and
ethnicity.
Questions: are just an outline and will be adjusted based on the responses of the participant. There are no
“right” answers, I simply want to know your perspective.
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Can you tell me how you view prayer? How would you define it? How would you explain it to
someone who had never heard of it before? What are key components of prayer must there be in
order to categorize it as prayer?
o Options: Who do you pray to? What do you picture when you pray? Where do you
normally pray? When do you normally pray?
What would you say is the goal/purpose of prayer? Of your prayers?
o Why do you pray?
How did you learn to pray? Was it something your parents taught you? Something the church
taught you? Tell me about your experience becoming someone who prays.
o Did you grow up going to church? What kind of church did you attend? What did your
church believe about prayer?
o Did your parents give you a structure for how to pray when you were young? Would
you say any of that structure is still evident in your prayers today?
What were some of the biggest factors that either got you praying at some point in your life or
hindered you from praying? Tell me about your story.
Have there been any books, sermons, or podcasts on prayer that have influenced the way you
pray by any means, small or big ways? Any quotations or passages stand out specifically?
o When did you read/listen to these materials? Were they pre- or during your Cedarville
experience?
Specifically at Cedarville, what factors would you honestly say impact your religious practice of
prayer the most?
Does your religious background impact the way you pray today? If so, in what ways?
Is there anything in prayers (that you’ve heard at Cedarville) that you don’t understand— either
the phrase used or the reason why people emphasize certain things?
In what setting (specifically), do you feel most comfortable praying?
In general, what do you pray about?
Do you ever incorporate material other than your original words into your prayers? And if so,
what material? (e.g. scripture, worship lyrics, hymn lyrics, historical prayers.)
o Why do you incorporate these other materials?
Do you write down your prayers? If so, do you mind if I read/collect one of your written prayers
for data?
Is there anything else you think is relevant to this topic/discussion of prayer?
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