Using printed texts to communicate information in the South African development context: a reception study
a reception study
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Using printed texts to communicate information in the South African development context: a reception study. (2022). Communicare: Journal for Communication Studies in Africa, 21(1), 41-60. https://doi.org/10.36615/jcsa.v21i1.1828
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- Submited: October 24, 2022
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Published: October 31, 2022
Abstract
Brochures are often used in South Africa to disseminate information to disadvantaged
communities. This article is based on a research project in which the effectiveness of
printed texts containing information about agricultural practices was tested among a
target audience of small-scale farmers in deep rural areas. The methodology used was
informed by reception theory. The historical development of reception study is traced
and compared with recent trends in communication research. The findings of this
study indicate that considerable interpretation gaps exist between sender and receiver.
This is mainly caused by a lack of understanding about the life world of the end-user
and results in the absence of a common coda[ system between communicator and
receiver. Empirical studies based on reception theory can make a positive contribution
towards improving development communication in the pluralistic cultural and lingual
South African society. It may well be used as an instrument to test the effectiveness of
messages aimed at a specific target audience.
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How to Cite
Using printed texts to communicate information in the South African development context: a reception study. (2022). Communicare: Journal for Communication Studies in Africa, 21(1), 41-60. https://doi.org/10.36615/jcsa.v21i1.1828
