Conversational Analysis of Opening and Closing Sequences in Saudi Podcasts A Case Study of the Waddah Podcast
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.53286/arts.v7i4.2854Keywords:
Conversation Analysis, Arabic Podcasts, Saudi Discourse, Religious Language, Openings and Closings, PragmaticsAbstract
This study examines how the openings and closings of talk are linguistically structured in Arabic-language podcasts in Saudi Arabia, namely in the Waddah podcast. Based on Conversation Analysis (CA) and cultural pragmatics, this study investigates how hosts open and close podcast episodes in line with Saudi Islamic culture, language practice, and social relations. Ten podcast episodes were translated and analysed in English and Arabic. The results evidence ritualised patterns of communication with religious terms, formal greetings, praise to guests, and group farewells. Terms that are in general usage, such as 'Bismillah', 'Marhaban alf' and 'Fi Aman Allah,' not only mark divisions of speech, but also express deeper cultural values such as spiritual purpose, host cordiality and community bonding. The study revealed that Saudi podcast openings and closings are not only concerned with turn-taking, but are also concerned with occupying moral positions, constructing audience identification, and promoting social bonding. The study adds to the paucity of research on Arabic digital communication and advances CA theory by its deployment in non-Western, culturally rich contexts.
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