Phonostylistic Study of Broadcaster Abbas Hamza in the Iraqi Program Al-Tareeq

Abstract

  This study examines the phonostylistic characteristics present in the speech of Iraqi broadcaster Abbas Hamza in the television program Al-Tareeq. Despite the growing body of research on phonetic aspects in English-language news delivery, there remains a significant gap concerning Arabic phonostylistics—particularly within Iraqi media. To date, no in-depth analysis has explored how Hamza’s vocal techniques contribute to the emotional depth and communicative strength of the program. This research seeks to answer key questions: How does Abbas Hamza employ phonostylistic features in his broadcasts? What are the dominant features used? In what ways do these elements enhance the rhetorical, persuasive, and emotional dimensions of his message? Furthermore, how do these vocal strategies shape his media persona? The primary objectives are to identify and analyze the phonostylistic features in Hamza’s speech, explore how intonation, pitch, rhythm, stress, and pauses fulfill various communicative functions in Al-Tareeq, and examine the interplay between vocal performance, identity construction, and message effectiveness within the context of Iraqi broadcasting. Adopting a qualitative approach, the study analyzes selected episodes of the program, focusing on recurring vocal patterns and stylistic strategies. The findings demonstrate that Hamza’s voice serves not only as a tool for information delivery but also as a performative medium that constructs his media identity and resonates with audiences on an emotional level. His style reflects a distinctive synthesis of classical Arabic oratorical traditions and modern broadcasting techniques. This study contributes to the emerging field of Arabic phonostylistics and offers valuable insights for linguists, media professionals, and speech trainers interested in the dynamic relationship between voice and communicative impact.