ABSTRACT
This research work provides an in-depth representation, classification and analysis of some health advice codes given by health practitioners which were found on the World Health Organization (W.H.O) and National Centre for Disease Control (N.C.D.C) sites. The focus of this work is to make proper analysis of the effect of context (that is environment) in the meaning and effects of these health advice codes on the Akunu populace. This analysis includes the analysis of speech codes used, the type (that is, the action it performed) of speech code as it is intended by the speaker and the meaning derived by listening, stating the effect of this speech codes on the listeners. To achieve the aim of this study, the researcher used the tenet of the speech act theory to analyze the 26 advice codes gotten from the WHO and NCDC’s websites. The study revealed that, in order to communicate effectively, the government agencies imbibed the use of graphical representations and Yoruba language. The researcher employed a descriptive research design as its methodology (that is the focus is to describe the demographic profile of Akunu people). The researcher notes the following;
(i) The conflict that occurred in ensuring these health advice codes were adhered to, as some were against the populace beliefs and cultural norms.
(ii) The slight differences and the detailing in the health advice codes as communicated through the NCDC sites.
(iii) Yoruba language was used to communicate these advice codes to Akunu people since many of them, especially the older ones are uneducated.
(iv) The fear of the vaccine having a negative effect on the populace.
The researcher recommends that Language specialist (that is Linguistic scholars) should do a semiotic research and analysis of the graphical representation of some of the health codes in the Akunu community.
