Grounding via Reception Strategies in Editorial Cartoons

Abstract

This study examines the reception strategies employed by editorial cartoons in the interactions created in their cartoons using Vandergriff (2006) grounding techniques. The data for the study encompasses twenty-five cartoons from Nigeria’s The Guardian newspaper published between January and March, 2012. The findings indicate grounding is used to seek clarification for precision in the understanding of intended meanings. Reception strategies are used as tools for eliciting information while measuring the level of understanding as discourses progress. This strategy creates an avenue for the cartoonists to tactically present their perspectives while endeavouring to convince the readers accordingly. The study concludes that reception strategies are important in establishing common ground between interactants as new or emerging information is accommodated through the process of reception.