An Application of Fairclough’s Three Dimensional CDAApproach to Fraser Anning’s Speech in Australian Senate

Abstract

The aim of this study was to highlight impression markers, identify key concerns, and describe cultural as well as social implications of a speech delivered by William Fraser Anning (an Australian Senator) in the Australian Senate on August 14, 2018. In this regard, Fairclough’s three-dimensional model was employed to interpret the data. The speaker was observed employing different impression markers (e.g., discourse and punctuation markers, cultural and historical references, personal pronouns, self and other markers, and expressive and rational values) to create coherence in the speech, emphasize the stance, and thereby grab the attention of the audience. Social problems, common man’s worries like joblessness, poor living standard, race, ethnicity and immigration were the concerns of the speech. Muslim immigrants were not treated as humans equal to Australians or other Europeans. They were labeled as ‘welfare-blunders’, ‘terrorists’, ‘gang-terrorists’, ‘criminals’, and ‘illegal occupants’. The speech was followed by an extremist attack on a Mosque in New Zealand. It might cause serious threat to peaceful co-existence, immigration process, and basic human rights.