A Lexico-Syntactic Analysis of the Vice-Chancellor’s Address at the Combined 13th, 14th, 15th Convocation Ceremonies

This study conducts a lexico-syntactic analysis of a Vice-Chancellor’s speech delivered at a convocation ceremony, with a focus on exploring how lexical choices and syntactic structures contribute to the effectiveness of the speech. The Vice-Chancellor's convocation speech is a key moment in academic ceremonies, offering a blend of formal, motivational, and reflective discourse aimed at students, faculty, and other stakeholders. By analyzing the speech at both the lexical and syntactic levels, the research examines the linguistic strategies used to inspire, inform, and engage the audience.

The research applies content analysis and syntactic analysis techniques, utilizing tools such as SVOCA (Subject, Verb, Object, Complement, Adjunct) analysis to break down sentences into their grammatical components. Lexical features, including word choices that emphasize achievement, opportunity, and reflection, are examined to understand their role in constructing a cohesive and persuasive message. The study also highlights how rhetorical devices, cohesive elements, and stylistic features contribute to the delivery of key themes.

The findings demonstrate that the Vice-Chancellor’s speech strategically employs a mix of formal and inspirational language, using complex syntactic structures to convey authority while maintaining accessibility to a diverse audience. This analysis provides valuable insights for undergraduate students into how formal speeches are constructed, shedding light on the importance of linguistic competence in professional and academic settings. Moreover, it emphasizes the impact of well-crafted language in ceremonial discourse, offering practical implications for speechwriting in academic contexts.