INTRODUCTION
Rationale
Political rhetoric has captivated scholars and researchers globally for years, highlighting the crucial role language plays in effective speeches Successful political leaders not only rely on their eloquence but also strategically employ various rhetorical features to convey their emotions, thoughts, and ideas This careful attention to language enhances the liveliness and persuasiveness of their speeches, making them more engaging for their audience.
Language serves as a powerful tool for persuasion in politics, as highlighted by Joseph (2006), who emphasizes the interdependent relationship between language and political influence Political leaders strategically employ linguistic choices in their speeches to effectively convince their target audience and assert their power The incorporation of rhetorical devices (RDs) is crucial for conveying arguments and addressing political concerns RDs, which utilize figurative language to create a specific rhetorical effect, are commonly used by political figures to enhance their eloquence and engage listeners.
In discourse analysis, various scholars have examined the language of politicians through diverse methodologies, including Appraisal, Systemic Functional Grammar, and Pragmatics For instance, Simon-Vandenberge (2008) conducted a linguistic study focusing on the Appraisal framework in the discourse of Hillary Clinton.
This article examines the political speeches of Bill Clinton and Barack Obama, highlighting the lack of research on rhetorical devices in political discourse Nguyễn Thị Thu Hiền (2016) explored the interpersonal function in English press commentaries through functional grammar and evaluation theory, while Ye (2010) analyzed the interpersonal metafunction in Obama’s victory speech Butkovic (2016) further investigated the rhetoric of American politicians from a pragmatic and linguistic perspective Despite these studies, the focus often remains on the content of speeches rather than the techniques employed to persuade audiences.
Donald Trump, the 45th President of the United States, has focused on transforming American politics by empowering the people and championing the principle that "America is above all." Throughout his first two years in office, he delivered a variety of impactful speeches that left a strong impression on audiences By analyzing these speeches, readers can learn the techniques and skills he employs to engage and persuade This research aims to explore the rhetorical devices used by President Trump to effectively communicate his message and influence public opinion.
Aim and Objectives of the study
The study aims at identifying, analyzing and categorizing the RDs of the political speeches made by President Donald Trump during the first two years of presidency
The study attempts to achieve the following objectives:
- To identify and analyze the RDs appearing in the political speeches by President Donald Trump
- To categorize those figures under four main groups, namely RDs helping with Strategy, with Organization, with Style, and with Analysis of Reading
- To compare the frequencies of occurrence of these RDs as well as among groups of figures.
Research Questions
In order to fulfill the aim and objectives mentioned above, the study will deal with the following research questions:
(1) What RDs are employed in President Donald Trump’s speeches?
(2) What are the frequencies of occurrence of these devices?
(3) What are possible reasons for the underlying usage patterns of these
Scope of the Study
The study examines four categories of rhetorical devices (RDs) used in five speeches by the President during the first two years of his presidency, from 2017 to 2019 It highlights the presence of sixteen key RDs, including hyperbole, antithesis, rhetorical questions, similes, metaphors, and parallelism, among others Minor RDs are excluded from this analysis due to time and resource constraints.
Significance of the Study
This study aims to make a significant contribution to both theoretical and practical aspects of research on Rhetorical Devices (RDs) Theoretically, it serves as a foundational reference for future studies, while practically, it offers valuable insights for English teachers seeking to enhance their instructional methods and for English learners looking to improve their writing and oratory skills.
The organization of the Study
The study is structured as follows:
Chapter 1 is the Introduction It gives rationale for the study, states the aim of the study, and outlines the research questions, the scope, the significance and the structure of the study
Chapter 2 includes Literature review - a review of previous studies and theoretical background which presents the basic concepts and theoretical backgrounds related to the study
Chapter 3 entitled Methodology focuses on the research methods, data collection, data analysis, research procedures, and reliability and validity
Chapter 4 deals with Findings and Discussion In this chapter, the findings of the study are presented and discussion is made, based on the research results
Chapter 5 named Conclusions and Implications presents the conclusions, implications, limitations of the study and the suggestions for further research.
LITERATURE REVIEW
Political discourse
Political discourse encompasses the communication crafted by political leaders to effectively convey their messages and achieve specific political objectives Key factors that politicians must consider when delivering a speech include understanding their target audience, the context in which the speech is given, the subject matter, and the overall writing style.
Political discourse is viewed as a discipline consisting of two different fields namely “politics” and “discourse” According to Thomas and Wareing
Politics inherently revolves around power, which encompasses the ability to make decisions, manage resources, influence behavior, and shape values (2004, p 36) In contrast, discourse is defined as the specific contexts in which language is utilized, aligning it with concepts such as genre and text type (Baker & Ellece, 2011, p 31).
According to Van Dijk (1997), political discourse is characterized by its authors and actors, primarily consisting of politicians The study of political discourse focuses on analyzing the communication of political figures and institutions, including presidents, prime ministers, and members of government and parliament, across local, national, and international contexts.
Furthermore, according to Van Dijk (1997, p 13), “politicians in this sense are the groups of people who are being paid for their political activities, and who are being elected or appointed”
Political discourse analysis extends beyond just officials and public figures; it encompasses the broader scope of political activities and processes that shape individuals' identities as citizens, voters, demonstrators, and dissidents (Van Dijk, 1997) This analysis highlights how political interactions and the actions of individuals become focal points in political discourse, influencing specific functions and implications within society.
Van Dijk (1997) emphasizes that discourse analysis extends beyond political actions and participants, enhancing the understanding of language in context Similarly, Galperin (1977) categorizes political speeches within the publicistic style, highlighting their significance in discourse analysis.
The primary goal of publicistic style is to significantly shape public opinion by persuading the audience to accept the writer's or speaker's perspective as the sole correct interpretation This influence is achieved not only through logical reasoning but also by appealing to the audience's emotions, ensuring that the message resonates deeply and effectively.
In conclusion, politicians adapt their language to different circumstances to achieve effective communication and persuasion in political discourse Rhetoric, recognized as an art of persuasion, plays a crucial role in capturing the audience's attention and is a defining characteristic of political speech Audiences expect their needs and wishes to be acknowledged, prompting politicians to choose their words carefully to emphasize and convey their messages effectively.
Rhetorical devices
Rhetoric, derived from the ancient Greek word "rhetor," refers to the art of using language in a compelling and engaging manner Throughout history, various disciplines such as philosophy, sociology, and linguistics have influenced rhetorical practices Notable figures in ancient rhetoric include Quintilian, Cicero, and Aristotle, with Aristotle being recognized as a pivotal figure in classical rhetoric Scholars have extensively studied political speeches through the lenses of logos, ethos, and pathos, highlighting the enduring significance of rhetorical techniques.
Rhetoric, often described as the art of discourse, has evolved over time and is crucial in political speeches According to Wales (2014), rhetoric encompasses the effective use of language and the art of persuasive speaking Various scholars have different interpretations of rhetoric; for instance, Galperin (1977) views it as the output of communication, while Bizzel and Herzberg (2001) define it as the practice and study of effective oratory strategies and the relationship between language and knowledge Understanding these definitions highlights the significance of rhetoric in communication and its impact on persuasion.
Rhetoric traditionally focuses on the emotional impact of language and the techniques that evoke feelings or establish logical arguments to influence an audience's judgment According to Roberts (2008), rhetoric can be defined as the skill of identifying and utilizing the available persuasive means in any situation.
From the above researchers’ definitions, in conclusion, it can be inferred that rhetoric relates to itself with language and the way people use it
To effectively persuade an audience, the careful selection and arrangement of words is crucial for achieving the intended purpose of a speech As noted by Wright (2016), analyzing rhetoric plays a significant role in this process.
This thesis explores the underlying principles of persuasion, focusing on the 'how' and 'why' rather than the specific words used It examines the rhetorical techniques employed by figures like Donald Trump, highlighting how language can be strategically crafted to influence and persuade audiences effectively.
2.2.2 RDs and Functions of RDs
Effective writing and speaking rely on various devices that enhance the communication of ideas and engage the audience Rhetorical devices (RDs) are essential tools that enable individuals to utilize language effectively, capturing the attention of their listeners or readers According to Harris, these devices play a crucial role in successful communication.
Rhetorical devices (RDs) play a crucial role in enhancing writing and speaking by adding emphasis and effectiveness (2013) According to Taping, Juniardi, and Utomo (2017), RDs rely on figurative language to convey ideas that cannot be expressed literally While the concept of RDs encompasses various interpretations, the simplest definition is that they represent the skill of writing in a way that captivates and engages readers.
Rhetorical devices (RDs) serve a fundamental role in shaping attitudes and prompting actions through the strategic use of language, as highlighted by Bazernam (1988) Additionally, Galperin (1977) underscores that RDs engage with various essential language aspects, including the aesthetic function of language, synonymous expressions, emotional nuances, the connection between language and thought, and the unique style of individual authors.
Rhetorical devices (RDs) play a crucial role in persuasion by enhancing writing style, engaging readers, and structuring arguments effectively By employing these techniques, writers can strengthen their arguments and make them more compelling (McGuigan, 2007).
According to the insights of three scholars, rhetorical devices (RDs) serve a significant aesthetic function in language, making them essential tools for speakers and writers When employed effectively, RDs can enhance the interest and persuasiveness of a speech or article By incorporating well-crafted rhetorical elements, authors can create more vivid and compelling narratives, ultimately leaving a lasting impression on their audience.
There are a variety of ways to classify kinds of RDs Following are illustrations of the classification of these devices
Firstly, in terms of Stylistics, Galperin (1977) categorizes RDs into three kinds according to their specific features, namely Phonetic
This article explores various literary devices, including onomatopoeia, alliteration, rhyme, and rhythm, which enhance the auditory appeal of language It delves into lexical devices such as metaphor, personification, metonymy, irony, epithet, oxymoron, simile, euphemism, and hyperbole, all of which enrich meaning and create vivid imagery Additionally, the article examines syntactical rhetorical devices like stylistic inversion, parallel construction, repetition, enumeration, climax, antithesis, and rhetorical questions, highlighting how these techniques contribute to the overall effectiveness and emotional impact of writing.
According to Taylor (1981), figurative expressions can be classified into three main categories: Comparison and Substitution, which includes simile, metaphor, allusion, metonymy, analogy, and allegory; Representation by Substitution, encompassing synecdoche, personification, and symbolism; and Contrast by Discrepancy and Inversion, featuring overstatement, understatement, paradox (oxymoron), and irony.
Thirdly, Little (1985) categorizes figure of speech into three main groups based on Comparisons, Associations, and Other figurative language
Comparisons in figurative language include simile, metaphor, personification, analogy, and hyperbole, while associations encompass metonymy and symbolism Additionally, other figurative devices such as apostrophe and irony play a significant role in language This categorization may differ from Taylor's classification, particularly because hyperbole, a type of comparison, can be challenging for many to grasp.
Lyons (1995) identifies three traditional rhetorical principles: Metaphor, Metonymy, and Synecdoche He emphasizes that sentences can convey meaning effectively when constructed appropriately and when their expressive components are elaborated In particular, the use of metaphor, metonymy, and synecdoche serves to enhance and expand these components of expression.
Thomas and Wareing (2004) examine various stylistic devices, including metaphor, euphemism, the rule of three, parallelism, and pronouns These devices can be categorized based on three fundamental criteria: imagery, which encompasses metaphor and its subtypes like simile and personification; structure, which includes the rule of three and parallelism; and miscellaneous, comprising euphemism and pronouns.
Review of the previous relevant studies
Political speeches are a focal point for extensive research globally, attracting numerous scholars who examine the language used by politicians Various analytical frameworks, including Appraisal, Systemic Functional Grammar, and Pragmatics, are employed to explore these linguistic choices in diverse contexts.
A linguistic study by Simon-Vandenberge (2008) examined the Appraisal in the political speeches of Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama, revealing similarities and differences in their use of attitude markers Both candidates predominantly use negative attitude markers over positive ones and self-praise in about 25% of positive judgments However, Clinton tends to use judgment markers more frequently, while Obama utilizes more negative affect markers than Clinton.
The study by Ye (2010) analyzes the interpersonal metafunction of Barack Obama’s victory speech, revealing that positive declarative clauses are predominant Imperative clauses rank second, while modal verbal operators such as "will," "can," and "must" are frequently utilized Additionally, the first personal pronoun is predominantly used, with the second personal pronoun "you" following in frequency.
A study by Nguyễn Thị Thu Hiền (2016) examined social attitudes towards President Obama’s 2016 visit to Vietnam through the lens of Appraisal Theory The findings revealed that English commentaries engaged readers by using rhetorical questions, various types of modality, and predominantly evaluative elements The authors expressed personal emotions and evaluations regarding events related to Obama’s visit, rather than judging the individuals involved Furthermore, in terms of Engagement, the appraisers tended to adopt a neutral stance, offering more expansions than contractions, which allowed readers to explore a wider range of perspectives.
In 2016, Butkovic conducted a comprehensive analysis of the rhetoric used by American politicians, focusing on the interplay of pragmatics and linguistics By examining a corpus of twenty political speeches, the study revealed that the language utilized by politicians serves not only to convey their political agendas but also reflects the relationship between their linguistic choices and the intended effects on their audience.
Research has shown that rhetorical devices (RDs) play a crucial role in political speeches, as politicians strategically employ them to effectively communicate their arguments to the audience.
Alo (2012) examined various political speeches by prominent African leaders to gain insights into the rhetorical strategies employed by these politicians to persuade the public and garner support.
An analysis of ideology was conducted to comprehend the social context of Africa, revealing that rhetorical devices (RDs) play a crucial role in political communication The study highlighted that politicians employ various RDs, such as greetings, pronoun contrasts, and modality, to foster a connection with the public.
In her 2014 analysis, Staugaitė examined the rhetorical strategies employed in the political speeches of Barack Obama and Dalia Grybauskaitė, comparing their approaches The research emphasized the use of various rhetorical devices (RDs) such as metaphor, personification, epithet, rhetorical questions, and hyperbole in their speeches The findings reveal that these rhetorical strategies play a crucial role in persuading audiences on an emotional level and can even exert control over them.
The study by Fengjie, Jia, and Yingying (2016) analyzes Barack Obama’s political speeches through the lens of Neo-Aristotle rhetoric It identifies frequently used rhetorical devices (RDs) in his speeches, highlighting his use of alliteration for rhythmic effect in phonological rhetoric In lexical rhetoric, Obama employs similes, metaphors, metonymy, and synecdoche to vividly convey his ideas Additionally, parallelism is noted as a commonly used syntactical device that emphasizes his central themes.
In the study "RDs in Hillary Clinton Concession Speech" by Taping et al (2017), it was found that thirteen rhetorical devices (RDs) were utilized, aligning with Harris' theory The analysis revealed that Hillary Clinton predominantly employed emphasis RDs, including sentential adverbs, alliteration, anaphora, conduplicatio, diacope, and epistrophe Additionally, she incorporated association RDs such as antanagoge, antithesis, metaphor, and parallelism, while decorative RDs included asyndeton, polysyndeton, and sententia Notably, emphasis RDs were the most frequently used throughout her concession speech.
In addition, there have been various approaches to RDs made by famous scholars so far such as Harris (2017), Harris (2013), Fahnestock
In their exploration of rhetorical devices (RDs), Richards (2008), McGuigan (2007), and others have categorized figures of speech to establish a theoretical framework for expressing ideas Notable contributions to English stylistics include Zhukovska's "English Stylistics: Fundamentals of Theory and Practice" (2010) and Galperin's "Stylistics" (1977), both of which provide foundational knowledge and categorize stylistic devices with detailed analyses Additionally, Lyons (1995), Little (1985), and Taylor (1981) employed traditional rhetorical principles to examine rhetorical strategies Collectively, these scholars have significantly advanced the understanding of RDs, establishing a robust foundation for future research and reference in the field.
In his 2014 master's thesis, Nguyễn Văn Cường examines the syntactic and semantic features of rhetorical devices (RDs) in advertising language for smartphones and smart TVs in both English and Vietnamese Analyzing 60 advertisement samples using the rhetorical frameworks of Galperin (1977) and Đinh Trọng Lạc (1996), the study identifies simile, personification, hyperbole, repetition, climax, enumeration, antithesis, and rhetorical questions as the most frequently utilized syntactic features in both languages Additionally, the research reveals that while there is a combination of RDs used to highlight the characteristics of smartphones and smart TVs, the frequency of each type varies between the two languages.
Phạm Thị Minh Phương (2017) analyzes the use of rhetorical devices (RDs) in Hillary Clinton's speeches, utilizing data from ten speeches delivered between 2010 and 2016 The study adapts So's (2005) analytical framework based on the systemic functional language's metafunction notion Findings indicate that five primary rhetorical devices—metaphor, metonymy, repetition, parallelism, and irony—are strategically employed in specific contexts to enhance persuasive impact on the audience.
In her 2018 study, Trần Thị Thu examined key rhetorical devices (RDs) identified by Harris (2013) in three speeches delivered by President Donald J Trump between 2016 and 2017 The research highlighted 12 significant RDs, including epizeuxis, alliteration, diacope, anaphora, epistrophe, antithesis, parallelism, antanagoge, metaphor, hyperbole, asyndeton, and polysyndeton Additionally, the findings detailed the specific functions and occurrences of these rhetorical devices within the speeches, showcasing their impact on communication.
METHODOLOGY
Research Methods
This study applied the combination of quantitative method and qualitative method
The qualitative method was utilized to identify four primary categories and various subcategories of rhetorical devices (RDs) present in the data This approach facilitated the description, analysis, and synthesis of the most common characteristics of these RDs, ultimately uncovering their role in the speeches of PDT.
The study employed a quantitative method to analyze the frequency of rhetorical devices (RDs) in PDT's speeches during the initial two years of his presidency This approach integrated various data analysis techniques, allowing for a comparison of RD occurrences, synthesis of findings, and formulation of conclusions throughout the research process.
In summary, the methods mentioned above are guidelines in conducting this study.
Data Collection
The data for this study are five PDT’s speeches chosen from the official website: https://www.whitehouse.gov Figure 3.1 shows the capture of a page of this website
Figure 3.1 Illustration of one page for the website https://www.whitehouse.gov
The official website of the White House, owned by the United States government and launched in October 1994, offers comprehensive information about the President, Vice President, their families, press releases, proclamations, executive orders, and speeches by White House officials It also includes specific standards for selecting speeches delivered by the President.
This analysis focuses on speeches delivered by Donald Trump, the 45th president of the United States, specifically during the first two years of his presidency from 2017 to 2019.
The research utilizes a comprehensive dataset that encompasses a leader's intentions and addresses global issues such as peace, economic development, and human rights, as well as various aspects of American governance, including the economy, education, health, and security This corpus features five notable speeches by the President, including the Inaugural Address delivered on January 20th.
In 2017, President Trump delivered significant remarks at the 72nd Session of the United Nations General Assembly on September 19, followed by his State of the Union Address on January 30, 2018 The following year, he addressed the 73rd Session of the United Nations General Assembly on September 25, 2018, and presented another State of the Union Address on February 6, 2019 These speeches highlighted key themes and policies during his administration, emphasizing America's role on the global stage.
The selection of data for this study focused on the length of speeches, resulting in the exclusion of shorter speeches The analyzed speeches vary significantly in length, ranging from 1,450 to nearly 6,000 words, with a total word count exceeding 21,000 across five speeches.
Data Analysis
The analysis of the five speeches, encoded from T1 to T5 and their corresponding sentences from S1 to Sn, is summarized in Figure 3.2.
Figure 3.2 Number of sentences in PDT’s speeches
Next, the data were analyzed to find out the RDs appearing in PDT’s speeches as well as four main categories namely RDs helping with Strategy,
The study examined the organization, style, and analysis of reading within PDT's speeches, highlighting the frequency and percentage of rhetorical devices used This analysis revealed the rhetorical preferences prevalent in the speeches, leading to a comprehensive conclusion and implications drawn from the findings.
Research Procedures
The research was carried out with the following steps:
- Thoroughly reviewing previous relevant studies to identify suitable theoretical framework for the study;
Every day, I am dedicated to fighting for the American people with unwavering commitment My goal is to ensure a strong, safe, and prosperous future for our children and all citizens This marks a new golden age for America President Trump is focused on reducing costs, securing our borders, enhancing energy independence, and restoring safety and security for every American Stay informed with direct updates from The White House.
- Identifying 4 different groups of RDs and the specific RDs in these groups;
- Quantitatively analyzing to help work out the frequency of occurrence of RDs used in PDT’s speeches;
- Comparing and contrasting their differences in occurrence frequency to draw conclusions;
- Qualitatively discussing the findings from the analysis with illustrations extracted from the data;
- Putting forward some implications for teaching and learning English;
- Making some suggestions for further research.
Reliability and Validity
The data for this study was sourced exclusively from the official website of the United States federal government, ensuring high reliability Furthermore, the research is grounded in McGuigan's (2007) theory of RDs, establishing a solid theoretical framework As a result, both the data sources and the theoretical foundation of this thesis are of superior quality and reliability.
This study ensured high validity by adhering closely to a rigorous research design, employing scientifically sound procedures for data collection, analysis, and statistics, which led to logical and practical conclusions It utilized a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods, enhanced by analytic, synthetic, and descriptive techniques, all of which have demonstrated high efficiency in various linguistic studies Consequently, these techniques play a crucial role in analyzing rhetorical devices in the speeches of PDT.
From all above reasons, the research is considered as a reliable and valid one in all aspects
This chapter outlines the research methods utilized in the study, detailing the processes of data collection, analysis, and research procedures, which are essential for understanding the findings and discussions presented in the subsequent chapter.
FINDINGS AND DISCUSSION
An overview of the RDs in PDT’s speeches
The study identifies four primary categories of rhetorical devices (RDs) utilized in five presidential speeches during the first two years of the presidency: Strategy, Organization, Style, and Analysis of Reading The frequency of these categories is detailed in Table 4.1.
Table 4.1 The distribution of four main categories of RDs
Category Number of instances Percentage
RDs helping with Analysis of
According to Table 4.1, RDs focused on Style are the most utilized category, comprising 53.53% with 592 instances Following closely are RDs aiding in Organization at 19.44% with 215 instances Additionally, RDs assisting with Analysis of Reading and Strategy account for 14.28% and 12.75%, respectively.
The analysis investigates the frequency of various rhetorical devices, identifying the most commonly used among them As detailed in Table 4.2, the occurrence of each device is presented in descending order, highlighting their frequency relative to the total of sixteen rhetorical devices surveyed.
Table 4.2 The distribution of RDs Category Rhetorical device No of instances Percentage
Table 4.2 highlights key findings regarding rhetorical devices (RDs) used in speeches, revealing that epithet leads with 468 instances (42.31%), followed by anaphora/epistrophe/symploce at 111 instances (10.04%) Other notable devices include anadiplosis/conduplicatio (7.05%), enumeratio (6.60%), and synecdoche/metonymy (6.33%) Personification, metaphor, parallelism, hyperbole, and polysyndeton are also present in similar frequencies In contrast, rhetorical question and parataxis from the Strategy and Analysis of Reading categories rank lowest, indicating their rare usage in PDT's speeches Additionally, devices like antithesis, antanagoge, hyperbaton, and simile are used even less frequently, each accounting for only 1% to over 2% of the total instances.
This article will explore how PDT effectively utilized rhetorical devices (RDs) in each category to enhance audience engagement and strengthen the persuasive impact of the speech.
The RDs helping with Style in PDT’s speeches
A quantitative analysis of President Donald Trump's rhetorical devices reveals four distinct types: epithet, synecdoche/metonymy, polysyndeton, and hyperbaton, as illustrated in Figure 4.1.
Figure 4.1 The distribution of subtypes of RDs helping with Style
The analysis reveals a significant disparity in the usage of rhetorical devices, with epithets dominating at 79.05% of a total of 468 instances, far surpassing synecdoche/metonymy, which accounts for only 11.82% In contrast, polysyndeton and hyperbaton represent minimal percentages at 5.91% and 3.21%, respectively Further exploration of these categories will be provided in the following sections.
EpithetPolysyndetonSynecdoche/MetonymyHyperbaton
Epithet is a rhetorical device that employs adjectives related to nouns to vividly depict scenes or evoke specific emotions In PDT's speeches, epithet is notably prominent, with 468 instances identified Trump effectively utilized a diverse range of adjectives to enhance his statements This technique serves to highlight the distinctive characteristics of people, places, and things The analysis identifies three subtypes of epithet: Simple epithet, Compound epithet, and String of epithet, as detailed in Table 4.3.
Table 4.3 The distribution of Epithet Epithet No of instances Percentage
Table 4.3 reveals that simple epithets dominate with 429 instances, accounting for 91.67% of the total, while strings of epithets are the least common at 1.92% Compound epithets follow, comprising 6.41% of the total This data indicates that PDT utilizes a significant number of descriptive words to enhance emotional expression Examples of these epithets further illustrate this trend.
[T1.S2] We, the citizens of America, are now joined in a great national effort to rebuild our country and to restore its promise for all of our people
To create strong families, safe communities, and healthy societies, we must actively invest our hearts and minds in our nations, as no one else can achieve this for us.
[T3.S226] Crucially, our plan closes the terrible loopholes exploited by criminals and terrorists to enter our country, and it finally ends the horrible and dangerous practice of catch and release
[T4.S195] Many countries are pursuing their own unique visions, building their own hopeful futures, and chasing their own wonderful dreams of destiny, of legacy, and of a home
[T5.S185] There could be no greater contrast to the beautiful image of a mother holding her infant child than the chilling displays our nation saw in recent days
The use of simple epithets in PDT highlights a diverse range of adjectives that describe the social, economic, and political landscape of the United States and the world Positive terms like "great," "strong," and "wonderful" contrast with negative descriptors such as "terrible" and "dangerous," showcasing Trump's distinctive speaking style and providing audiences with intriguing insights into his perspectives.
Compound epithets constitute a minor portion of the language used, with only 30 instances (6.4%) identified The analysis indicates that Trump utilized these Compound epithets to highlight specific qualities or characteristics, effectively engaging the emotions and feelings of his audience Notably, most of these epithets are presented in hyphenated forms.
[T4.S68] The dictatorship used the funds to build nuclear-capable missiles, increase internal repression, finance terrorism, and fund havoc and slaughter in Syria and Yemen
[T4.S158] Today, socialism has bankrupted the oil-rich nation and driven its people into abject poverty
Compound epithets consist of two words, where the first word functions as a noun and the second as an adjective For example, in the terms "nuclear capable" and "oil rich," "nuclear" and "oil" serve as nouns, while "capable" and "rich" act as adjectives This structure can be summarized in the formula: noun + adjective.
Noun-adjective (oil-rich, nuclear-capable)
Moreover, the study shows that two elements which are combined into Compound epithets can be illustrated in “Noun-Verb (past participle)” as follows:
Many countries, unlike the United States and others that adhere to international regulations, manipulate the system to their advantage through government-led industrial planning and state-owned enterprises.
In example [T4.S103], “government-run” and “state-owned” are
“Noun-Verb (past participle)” Another way of expressing Compound epithet is by using Noun-Verb (present participle) as in the following example:
[T4.S21] This is great news for our citizens and for peace-loving people everywhere
Undoubtedly, “peace-loving” in example [T4.S21] is derived from applying “Noun-Verb (present participle)” to make an adjective which describes a person believing strongly in peace rather than war
What’s more, Compound epithets are recognized in terms of
“Adjective-adjective”, “Adjective-noun”, “Adjective-Verb” Here are some illustrations of them:
Iran, once a prosperous nation with a rich cultural heritage, has devolved into an economically struggling rogue state characterized by violence and chaos The true victims of this turmoil are the Iranian people, who continue to suffer under the leadership of their own government.
Human traffickers exploit the vulnerabilities in the open areas between U.S ports of entry to smuggle thousands of young girls and women, forcing them into prostitution and modern slavery.
In the examples provided, "wide-open" illustrates a combination of two adjectives, while "modern-day" represents an adjective-noun pairing Conversely, "longest-suffering" demonstrates a blend of an adjective and a present participle verb.
Additionally, Verb (present participle)-noun and Verb (past participle)- preposition are also considered as forms of Compound epithets employed in the extracted data Following are some typical examples:
[T1.S31] But for too many of our citizens, a different reality exists:
Mothers and children trapped in poverty in our inner cities; rusted-out factories scattered like tombstones across the landscape of our nation; … unrealized potential
Congress is keen to advance an infrastructure bill, and I am enthusiastic about collaborating on legislation that will facilitate significant investments in essential infrastructure, particularly in emerging industries of the future.
Undoubtedly, “rusted-out” in example [T1.S31] is shown in the form of Verb (past participle)-preposition and “cutting-edge” in example [T5.S156] is created by way of Verb (present participle)-noun
A thorough analysis reveals that PDT utilizes compound epithets, which combine two elements or parts of speech This technique enhances the richness of the language and adds depth to the expressions used.
Compound epithets is to describe some entities found in the speech rather than evaluate them, thus draw the attention to the figurative aspect of Trump’s language
Furthermore, for the lowest frequencies of occurrence, Strings of epithets are illustrated in the following examples:
[T2.190] If we are to embrace the opportunities of the future and overcome the present dangers together, there can be no substitute for strong, sovereign, and independent nations
— nations that are rooted in their histories and invested in their destinies
[T3.S155] I am asking both parties to come together to give us safe, fast, reliable, and modern infrastructure that our economy needs and our people deserve
[T3.S281] Immediately, Justin bounded into the booby-trapped and unbelievably dangerous and unsafe building, and found Kenton, but in very, very bad shape
[T5.S128] This is a smart, strategic, see-through steel barrier — not just a simple concrete wall
In example [T2.190], Trump underscores the importance of national strength, sovereignty, and independence to address contemporary challenges, as highlighted by the phrase "strong, sovereign, and independent." Similarly, in example [T3.S155], the strategic use of adjectives reinforces this message.
The RDs helping with Organization in PDT’s speeches
The research identifies five organizational rhetorical devices (RDs) employed in PDT's speeches: parallelism, anadiplosis/conduplicatio, enumeratio, and antanagoge Detailed data on the frequency of these devices is illustrated in Figure 4.2.
Figure 4.2 The distribution of subtypes of RDs helping with Organization
Anadiplosis/conduplicatio is the most prevalent rhetorical device in the corpus, comprising 36.28% with 78 instances Following closely is enumeratio, which accounts for 33.95%, nearly double the 19.53% seen in parallelism Antanagoge is the least common type of rhetorical device, representing 10.23% of the total.
Anadiplosis and Conduplicatio are two effective forms of repetition that enhance connection, continuity, and focus in speech, contributing to a smooth flow of ideas An analysis of five PDT speeches reveals that these rhetorical devices play a crucial role in the organization of the content.
Antanagoge with 78 instances Table 4.5 below provides numerical data on the frequencies of occurrence
Table 4.5 The distribution of Anadiplosis/Conduplicatio Device No of instances Percentage
Table 4.5 reveals a significant disparity in the frequency of occurrence between the two rhetorical devices Conduplicatio dominates with 52 instances, accounting for 66.67% of the total, which is 26 instances higher than anadiplosis, which represents 33.33% A more in-depth discussion of anadiplosis and conduplicatio will follow.
Anadiplosis is a rhetorical device that involves repeating the last word of a sentence or phrase at the beginning of the next one In PDT's speeches, there are 26 instances of anadiplosis, which serves to emphasize key words or ideas, creating a powerful reinforcing effect that resonates emotionally with the audience Examples of anadiplosis illustrate its effectiveness in enhancing the impact of the message.
The United States has opted not to join the new Global Compact on Migration because it believes that migration should not be regulated by an international organization that lacks accountability to American citizens.
In the provided example, the repetition of the term "migration" emphasizes that the United States opted out of the new Global Compact on migration, choosing instead to establish its own immigration policy aimed at safeguarding individual rights.
[T5.S32] In just over two years since the election, we have launched an unprecedented economic boom — a boom that has rarely been seen before
In example [T5.S32], by repeating “boom” at very near the beginning of the next sentence, Trump wanted to emphasize a miraculous recovery of American economy in the past two years
Anadiplosis can create a sense of logical progression by repeating the last word of a sentence at the beginning of the next This technique often leads to anaphora, where the repeated word continues to start subsequent sentences For clarity, an example of anadiplosis is provided below.
[T2.S190] If we are to embrace the opportunities of the future and overcome the present dangers together, there can be no substitute for strong, sovereign, and independent nations
Nations grounded in their histories and committed to shaping their futures strive to build friendships rather than seek adversaries Most importantly, these nations are inhabited by patriots—individuals ready to make sacrifices for their country, their fellow citizens, and the highest ideals of humanity.
The use of repetition with the term "nations," combined with anaphora, creates a logical flow of ideas that underscores the importance of sovereign and independent nations, highlighting their historical roots and projecting their significance into the future.
Conduplicatio is a rhetorical device that involves the repetition of a key word from one sentence or phrase at the beginning of the following sentence or phrase This technique enhances coherence and emphasis within the text.
In a study of 52 instances of conduplicatio, this rhetorical device is recognized for its effectiveness in emphasizing key ideas from preceding clauses or sentences Similar to anadiplosis, conduplicatio enhances the impact of speech, as illustrated by examples from PDT’s speeches.
[T1.S50] America will start winning again, winning like never before
[T3.S354-S356] Atop the dome of this Capitol stands the Statue of
Freedom stands proudly among the monuments dedicated to our ancestors who fought, lived, and sacrificed their lives for her These memorials honor great leaders like Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln, and King, symbolizing the enduring legacy of their struggle for liberty and justice.
The use of conduplicatio, where key words like "winning" and "monuments" are repeated at the beginning of subsequent clauses or sentences, significantly enhances the clarity and flow of the message This technique occurs 28 times, allowing the audience to easily follow the continuity of thought and reducing ambiguity For instance, in example [T1.S50], "winning" signifies the positive changes that PDT promises for the United States, highlighting unprecedented future possibilities Similarly, in example [T3.S354-S356], the repetition of "monuments," combined with polysyndeton, serves to remind the audience of the noble sacrifices made by ancestors, fostering a sense of patriotism.
The study reveals that conduplicatio, characterized by the repetition of words from various parts of a clause or sentence at the beginning of the subsequent sentence or phrase, is present 24 times in PDT's speeches.
[T4.S201-S202] We believe in self-government and the rule of law And we prize the culture that sustains our liberty – a culture built on strong families, deep faith, and fierce independence
The RDs helping with Analysis of Reading in PDT’s speeches
Regarding the RDs helping with Analysis of Reading, the analysis reveals that there are three types of RDs being employed in PDT’s speeches
They are anaphora/epistrophe/symploce, personification, and parataxis The data on their frequencies of occurrence is illustrated in Figure 4.3 below
Figure 4.3 The distribution of subtypes of RDs helping with Analysis of Reading
Figure 4.3 reveals a significant disparity in the frequency of rhetorical devices, with anaphora, epistrophe, and symploce dominating at 70.25% This figure is more than double that of personification, which follows at 28.48% Parataxis is notably less common, comprising only 1.27% of occurrences The analysis will delve deeper into this category.
The term chosen for Anaphora/Epistrophe/Symploce is restatement
The use of devices such as anaphora, epistrophe, and symploce serves to emphasize ideas, clarify terms, and enhance the stylistic quality of prose A recent study highlights that these three rhetorical devices collectively encompass 111 distinct applications.
Parataxis instances Table 4.6 below provides numerical data on the frequencies of occurrence
Table 4.6 The distribution of Anaphora/Epistrophe/Symploce
Device No of instances Percentage
Table 4.6 reveals a significant disparity in the frequency of occurrence among the three devices analyzed Anaphora dominates with 89 instances, representing 80.18% of the total, while symploce is the least common at 5.41% Epistrophe falls in between, accounting for 14.41% of the occurrences.
Anaphora is a rhetorical device characterized by the repetition of the same word or phrase at the beginning of successive phrases, clauses, or sentences In the analyzed data, anaphora appears 89 times, making it the most frequently used device compared to epistrophe and symploce The research highlights various types of anaphora utilized in PDT's speeches, with examples showcasing words repeated twice.
[T2.S117-S118] We must deny the terrorists safe haven, transit, funding, and any form of support for their vile and sinister ideology We must drive them out of our nations
[T4.S19-S20] We are standing up for America and for the American people And we are also standing up for the world
With 52 instances appearing in words repeated twice, anaphora is considered as a method of emphasis to appeal to the emotions of the audience
In his address, PDT emphasizes the urgency for the American people to take decisive action against the escalating threat of terrorism by repeatedly asserting "we must." Furthermore, his invocation of "we are standing up for" serves as a rallying cry, encouraging citizens to unite in their efforts to uphold the values of a great nation.
Secondly, anaphora with words repeated three times is found with 23 instances, nearly 30 instances lower than anaphora with words repeated twice For example:
[T2.S47] In America, the people govern, the people rule, and the people are sovereign
Now is the moment to revive the American spirit, aiming for the highest aspirations and brightest hopes It's time to strengthen the connections of love, loyalty, and shared memories that unite us as citizens, neighbors, and patriots.
By repeatedly emphasizing "the people," PDT aims to inspire and uplift the audience, highlighting the importance of democracy and the rights enshrined in the U.S Constitution that contribute to a better life for all Additionally, he seeks to foster a sense of patriotism, expressing a strong desire for the United States to emerge as a global ally in the future, reinforced by the phrase "this is the time to."
Thirdly, there are 10 instances of anaphora with words repeated four times employed in the extracted data For instance:
[T3.S5-S8] Over the last year, we have made incredible progress and achieved extraordinary success We have faced challenges we expected, and others we could never have imagined
We have shared in the heights of victory and the pains of hardship We have endured floods and fires and storms
[T1.S51-S54] We will bring back our jobs We will bring back our borders We will bring back our wealth And we will bring back our dreams
Through the repeated use of the pronoun "we" combined with "have + past participle," PDT aims to create a sense of intimacy with the audience and foster public sympathy This approach highlights the remarkable successes achieved by the United States despite facing significant challenges Additionally, this repetition underscores a strong commitment to restoring national values.
Finally, anaphora with words repeated five times or over is also found with a small number of instances (only 4 instances) under examination Following are examples of this device:
Together, we will restore America's strength, wealth, pride, and safety, ultimately making our nation great once more.
(Anaphora with words repeated five times)
[T3.S361-366] They work in every trade They sacrifice to raise a family
They nurture our children at home and protect our nation overseas These strong mothers and courageous children serve as firefighters, police officers, border agents, medics, and Marines, embodying resilience and dedication.
The repetition of the phrase "we will" in the statement serves as an inspiring motif, enhancing the rhythm of the speech and underscoring the emotions of hope conveyed at its conclusion This anaphoric technique effectively captivates the audience, reinforcing the message of perseverance and optimism.
Epistrophe is a rhetorical device in which the same word or phrase is repeated at the end of successive phrases, clauses or sentences There are only
In a study of PDT's speeches, 16 instances of epistrophe were identified, with a notable prevalence of final words repeated twice (12 instances) compared to three or more repetitions (4 instances) This rhetorical device serves to emphasize key points and capture the audience's attention effectively Clear examples of epistrophe illustrate its powerful impact in speech delivery.
[T4 S131-132] OPEC and OPEC nations, are, as usual, ripping off the rest of the world, and I don’t like it Nobody should like it (Epistrophe with final words repeated twice)
Working hard and believing in yourself and in America empowers you to dream big and become anything you aspire to be Together, we can accomplish anything.
(Epistrophe with final words repeated three times)
In the example [T4.S131-132], the phrase "like it" appears first after the auxiliary verb "don't" and then after the modal verb "should" and the negative pronoun "nobody." These minor variations do not disrupt the rhythm of PDT's speeches; rather, they underscore Donald Trump’s criticism of OPEC nations During the United Nations General Assembly, the president condemned the rising prices imposed by OPEC, highlighting the negative impact on countries globally, including the United States.
Being different from [T4 S131-132], [T3 S85] is a typical example considered as epistrophe with final words repeated three times By repeating
In his national address, Donald Trump emphasized his call for a "new American moment" by strategically using "anything" at the end of each clause This message serves as a unifying call to the nation following his first year in office To realize the American dream, the president encourages the audience to have faith in themselves and in fellow Americans, urging everyone to work hard together.
The RDs helping with Strategy in PDT’s speeches
The analysis identifies five types of rhetorical devices (RDs) utilized in the content: hyperbole, antithesis, rhetorical questions, similes, and metaphors The frequencies of these rhetorical devices are depicted in Figure 4.4.
Figure 4.4 The distribution of subtypes of RDs helping with Strategy
Figure 4.4 indicates that metaphor is the most prevalent subtype of rhetorical devices (RDs) in the corpus, accounting for 30.50% Following closely are hyperbole and antithesis, which represent 29.08% and 21.28% respectively Simile comprises 12.77% of the corpus, while rhetorical questions are the least common, making up only 6.38% The subsequent sections will provide a more detailed analysis of these findings.
A metaphor is a rhetorical device that describes one thing as if it were another, accounting for 30.5% of instances among the five subtypes of rhetorical devices used in strategy By utilizing metaphors, speakers can create vivid imagery that captures the audience's attention For instance, Trump effectively used the term "heart" in his speeches to evoke strong emotions, demonstrating the power of metaphor in engaging listeners.
Hyperbole Antithesis Rhetorical question Simile
[T1.S73-S74] Do not let anyone tell you it cannot be done No challenge can match the heart and fight and spirit of America
John Adams, a prominent American patriot, asserted that the American Revolution was fundamentally a transformation in the hearts and minds of the people, occurring even before the actual war began.
[T4.S205] The passion that burns in the hearts of patriots and the souls of nations has inspired reform and revolution, sacrifice and selflessness, scientific breakthroughs, and magnificent works of art
In his speeches, Trump strategically used the term "heart" to evoke the national spirit of American citizens, aiming to inspire a revival of the country's strength By referencing "hearts," he underscored the significance of the American Revolution and the enduring power of citizen resilience throughout history Additionally, at the United Nations General Assembly, Trump highlighted the advantages of patriotism over globalism, further reinforcing his message about the value of national pride.
The term "blood" in references [T1.S79], [T3.S357], and [T5.S271] symbolizes the noble sacrifices made by patriots throughout history, serving as a metaphor for the United States' unity achieved through sacrifice This concept underscores the idea that true reunion is often rooted in the willingness to sacrifice for the greater good.
[T1.S79] … we all bleed the same red blood of patriots, we all enjoy the same glorious freedoms,…
[T3.S357] … to young Americans who shed their blood on the shores of Normandy and the fields beyond; …
[T5.S271] … all of it is possible thanks to the blood and tears and courage and vision of the Americans who came before
Metaphors can be effectively conveyed by referencing one object to imply another, as demonstrated by Donald Trump's use of the term "journey" in his speeches This technique enhances communication by creating vivid imagery and deeper meanings.
[T3.S110] And I will not stop until our veterans are properly taken care of, which has been my promise to them from the very beginning of this great journey
[T5.S278-S281] Our most thrilling achievements are still ahead Our most exciting journeys still await Our biggest victories are still to come We have not yet begun to dream
In the provided examples, the term "journey" is used metaphorically, not literally referring to travel In one instance, it symbolizes the mission of peacekeeping, while in another, it represents the effort to strengthen America Through this metaphor, Trump conveys the idea that all Americans are united travelers on a shared journey, with their common goals serving as destinations to achieve.
Additionally, metaphor based on the similarity of color proves to be a very effective way in PDT’s speeches
The diversity of nations enriches the world and enhances humanity, as each unique country contributes its own special qualities and shines brightly in its respective region.
[T5.S288] This is the time to search for the tallest summit and set our sights on the brightest star
In his speeches, Donald Trump frequently uses the term "bright" both as an adjective and an adverb, symbolizing optimism and intelligence This word, which literally signifies being full of light or cleverness, serves as a metaphor to convey hope for future success and happiness for individuals and nations alike Such expressions reflect a vision of new beginnings and a positive outlook for humanity.
Furthermore, a number of verbs are metaphorically employed in PDT’s speeches Some typical examples are illustrated as follows:
[T1.S69] In America, we understand that a nation is only living as long as it is striving
[T3.S186] I want you to know that 320 million hearts are right now breaking for you
In example [T3.S186], "breaking" signifies the damage and fragmentation experienced by presenters mourning the tragic loss of two girls murdered by the MS-13 gang Conversely, the terms "living" and "striving" in example [T1.S69] highlight the United States as a meritocracy focused on self-improvement Through these metaphors, PDT effectively conveys profound emotions and encourages the audience to perceive a deeper significance.
Hyperbole is the second most common strategy used in RDs, appearing 41 times PDT utilized hyperbole in his speeches to exaggerate points, effectively emphasizing the ideas being presented.
As a result, Trump can persuade the audiences to believe in what he delivers
In PDT's speeches, the use of indefinite numbers served as hyperboles to emphasize his arguments, with 18 instances noted, making up nearly half of the total 41 examples Trump frequently utilized this rhetorical device, highlighting its effectiveness in conveying his message.
[T1.S39] One by one, the factories shuttered and left our shores, with not even a thought about the millions upon millions of American workers left behind
[T2.S131] The United States is a compassionate nation and has spent billions and billions of dollars in helping to support this effort
The Border Patrol and ICE have successfully deported or incarcerated thousands of dangerous MS-13 gang members, significantly enhancing national security and public safety.
[T4.S191] There is India, a free society over a billion people, successfully lifting countless millions out of poverty and into the middle class
[T5.S107] Year after year, countless Americans are murdered by criminal illegal aliens
In the examples provided, PDT effectively employs indefinite numbers like "millions upon millions," "billions and billions," and "countless millions" to emphasize the escalating scale of issues This strategic repetition amplifies the emotional impact on the audience, highlighting the pressing problems faced by the nation.