A Rhetorical Analysis and Interlinked Aspects of Culture that Affected the Success of the Musical Band, Oasis, in the UK and US

Author

Ross Lumsden, Lynn University

Date of Award

2008

Document Type

Thesis

Granting Institution

Lynn University

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Degree Program

Communication and Media

Department

College of Communication and Design

First Advisor

Valeria Fabj

Second Advisor

Carol Watson

Third Advisor

Erika Grodzki

Abstract

This paper focuses on the rhetoric contained within the lyrics and spoken words of the band Oasis. The paper argues that the style of rhetoric can be directly related to the level of success of the music within two different regions. The regions within the context of this paper are the UK and the US. However, the study also stresses that in order for rhetoric to have such an effect; there must also be other contributing factors. The study uses rhetorical analysis as the primary method of research. By analyzing the rhetoric of the lyrics and spoken words and also considering the genre of the music and the timing of each album, the study aims to provide answers about the varying levels of success between the UK and the US. The study analyzes the cultural differences between the US and UK and applies the 'Lacuna Theory' along with cultural concepts as theorized by Edward Hall as its core cultural theoretical focus. The 'Lacuna Theory' plays a lead role in cross culture communication and the study believes that there is relevance between this theory and the rhetoric being analyzed. The study argues that there are great differences in culture between the UK and the US. These differences influence how each culture receives music as a message and interprets what is being received. The study is relevant to the field of communication with reference to rhetoric and that cultural aspects of communication remain prevalent in modern day mass communication.

Recommended Citation

Lumsden, R. (2008). A rhetorical analysis and interlinked aspects of culture that affected the success of the musical band, Oasis, in the UK and US [Master's thesis, Lynn University]. SPIRAL. https://spiral.lynn.edu/etds/21