Researcher Laila Fadhl Saleh Ahmed Al-Daghfali was awardeda Master’s Degree in Linguistics with a grade of excellent and an average of (95%)for her thesis titled: Exploring Power Dynamics: Register Shifting and Speech Acts Analysis of a Film Script Entitled "The Trial of the Chicago 7,”which was submitted to the Department of English, Faculty of Languages– Sana’a University. The MA defense was held on Thursday, October 15, 2026.
The MA Viva-voce Committee, which was formed based on a resolution issued by the Graduate Studies and Scientific Research Council, consisted of the following:
- Prof. Abdulsalam Mohammed Al-Ghurafi – Sana’a University – Main Supervisor and Committee Member.
- Dr. Mohammed Othman Naif – Sana’a University – Internal Examiner and Committee Member.
- Assoc. Prof. Ali Saleh Ali Al-Ward – University of Science and Technology – External Examiner and Chair.
The thesis aimed to investigate how language functions as a mechanism for constructing power relations in courtroom discourse by analyzing register variation and speech acts in the screenplay of The Trial of the Chicago 7, written and directed by Aaron Sorkin. The study focused on how linguistic choices are strategically employed to express authority, resistance, and ideological positioning within institutional interactions.
The findings revealed that language in courtroom interactions does not function as a neutral means of communication; rather, it serves as an active arena in which power is negotiated. The study also found that shifts in linguistic register are associated with changes in power dynamics, emotional intensity, and speakers’ interactional stances.
Furthermore, the study highlighted the central role of speech acts—including assertives, directives, commissives, and declarations—in shaping courtroom interaction dynamics and influencing their progression and outcomes.
The researcher recommended conducting comparative studies of actual courtroom discourse and its cinematic representation. She also recommended employing multimodal analysis to explore the different dimensions that contribute to shaping power relations and resistance within institutions.
The thesis defense was attended by faculty members, researchers, students, andinterested participants as well as the researcher's colleagues and family members.
