LANGUAGE USE AND COMMUNICATION IN THE PENTECOSTAL CHURCHES

A STUDY OF HOUSE ON THE ROCK CHURCH

Abstract

The major objective of language is communication. This study explores the language use in Christian religious service(s) of the church, House on the Rock (henceforth HOTR) which is one of the vibrant Pentecostal churches. It specifically examines the various religious performances obtainable or practiced in the church. This will be achieved by looking at the language use in prayers, preaching, neologisms, songs (music) and so on. The study utilizes the Harold Lasswell communication model because it suits the study by laying emphasis on their preacher (source), the channel/medium (language) and the adherents or congregation (receiver or destination). The study concludes that every denomination categorized under Pentecostals have certain doctrines or religious performances peculiar to them.