A Critical Discourse Analysis of Macro Structures in Speeches of President Bush and President Obama

Authors

  • Tania Afzal Lecturer in English, MPhil. English Linguistics, University of Education, Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan.
  • Samina Ali Asghar Assistant Professor, PhD in Applied Linguistics, University of Education, Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan.
  • Shamaila Liaqat Lecturer in English, MPhil. English Linguistics, University of Education, Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.53057/linfo/2023.5.2.5

Keywords:

Huckin's analytical toolkit, American political discourse, CDA, macro structures

Abstract

This study aimed to analyze the strategic construction of discourse in the speeches of President Bush and President Obama, with a focus on identifying linguistic devices and discursive practices used to legitimize their war strategies. A qualitative approach was employed, and data were collected from six selected speeches delivered by Bush and Obama between 2001 and 2013 concerning the War on Terrorism. Data analysis and interpretation utilized Huckin's analytical toolkit (1997), focusing on a macro-level analysis of the speeches. The findings revealed that while Bush and Obama employed many similar linguistic devices and techniques, there were significant differences in their application. These differences pointed to shifts in their strategies for addressing the War on Terror. Bush's language appeared more aggressive compared to Obama's. The study's results may inspire future researchers to investigate the speeches of Pakistani politicians, exploring linguistic strategies for manipulation through Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA).

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Author Biographies

Tania Afzal, Lecturer in English, MPhil. English Linguistics, University of Education, Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan.

Tania Afzal is a dedicated academic professional serving as a Lecturer in English at the University of Education in Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan. She holds an MPhil. in English Linguistics, demonstrating her expertise in the field. Tania is passionate about language and linguistic studies, contributing her knowledge and insights to the academic community.

Samina Ali Asghar, Assistant Professor, PhD in Applied Linguistics, University of Education, Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan.

Dr. Samina Ali Asghar is an accomplished academician and researcher currently serving as an Assistant Professor at the University of Education in Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan. She has earned a PhD in Applied Linguistics, reflecting her deep commitment to the study of language and its practical applications. With her extensive experience and expertise, Dr. Samina contributes significantly to the field of linguistics and education.

Shamaila Liaqat, Lecturer in English, MPhil. English Linguistics, University of Education, Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan.

Shamaila Liaqat is a skilled educator and linguist, holding the position of Lecturer in English at the University of Education in Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan. She has completed her MPhil. in English Linguistics, showcasing her dedication to the study of language. Shamaila's teaching and research contributions are valued within the academic community, where she continues to make a meaningful impact.

References

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Published

2023-06-30

How to Cite

Afzal, T., Ali Asghar, S., & Liaqat, S. (2023). A Critical Discourse Analysis of Macro Structures in Speeches of President Bush and President Obama . Linguistic Forum - A Journal of Linguistics, 5(2), 32–39. https://doi.org/10.53057/linfo/2023.5.2.5