A Grapho-Stylistic Analysis of Young Elihu’s Discourse with Job in the Book of Job 32:1-37:24

Abstract

The ability to interpret a discourse from the author’s stylistic perspectives has proven to be a difficult task for information decoders. Using Toulmins six-layer-layout of everyday argument, this study explores the stylistic features of the discourse between Job and his friend Elihu (Job 32:1-37:24), with the view of underscoring Elihu’s stylistic use of language in espousing his perspective in the debate regarding Job’s suffering. Using qualitative analytical method and  Elihu’s speeches as the data for analysis, the study discovered that  language use in the Bible especially, in the book of Job is void of ambiguity, vagueness or obscurity. Elihu’s argument was sequenced in line with Toulmin’s six layer of everyday argument- data, claim, backing, warrant, reservation and Rebuttal when interpreted from the contextual perspective and concludes among others that language use in any given discourse is better understood from the perspective of the style of the author.

Keywords: Vagueness, Obscurity, Ambiguity, Contextual, Style.