Utilization of Religious Discourse in Forming Public Opinions

Abstract

This study aimed at investigating the role of misunderstanding of religious discourse in shaping people negative attitudes. The researcher has adopted descriptive analytical method. Two instruments have been used for collecting data relevant to the study, namely, a questionnaire was distributed to the teachers of English at some Sudanese Universities, and interview was given to some experts in the field of linguistics at different Sudanese Universities. The sample of the study comprises (60) teachers whereas the written interview consists (10) experts. The researcher applied SPSS program to analyze the verify results. The findings have should that most people are unable to recognize how to sum up a religious discourse, moreover, they are not able to understand the direct meaning of the words when they listen to a religious discourse. Majority of people are incompetent to translate a religious discourse when they read them. The study has recommended that most people should recognize how to understand a religious discourse. In addition they should be able to read critically the meaning of the words when they listen to it. Furthermore, majority of people should require the knowledge of other culture when they listen to a religious discourse. Finally some suggestions are also proposed for further studies.