INTRODUCTION
Rationale
In today's rapidly evolving world, the importance of language has surged as it enables individuals to engage with global news across various domains such as politics, society, and business The rise of mass media and information technology has facilitated communication and connection among people Language is essential in our lives, serving not only for verbal and non-verbal communication—like gestures and tone—but also as a powerful tool to express thoughts and emotions, influencing others through ideology This intricate relationship is explored in-depth by linguists through Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA).
Exploring new aspects of language often presents various challenges in interpretation across phonology, syntax, lexicon, and discourse levels Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA), developed by Roger Fowler and Gunther Kress in the late 1970s, is an interdisciplinary approach that views language as a social practice Fairclough (2001) asserts that CDA encompasses the analysis of various discourse forms, including written texts, speech, gestures, and advertisements, revealing the ideologies of both writers and speakers Political discourse is a key focus of CDA, highlighting the relationship between language use and power dynamics, thereby offering a fresh perspective for political text analysis By examining grammar and vocabulary in political speeches, CDA provides insights into relational and expressive values, enhancing interaction between writers and readers while considering the experiential, relational, and expressive aspects of grammar and textual structure.
Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) has been widely utilized by researchers to explore various linguistic aspects Notable studies include Hanh's (2016) examination of online game advertisements in English, and Nhu's (2016) analysis of CDA in educational journal abstracts in both English and Vietnamese Additionally, Duong's 2018 research focused on the speeches of politicians Margaret Thatcher and Theresa May While much attention has been given to the linguistic features of political speeches, an intriguing area for further exploration is the language used by the current President of the United States, Donald Trump.
Critical thinking is essential for educational development, and Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) plays a vital role in language teaching and learning This study aims to explore CDA in President Trump’s speeches at the United Nations General Assembly, with the intention of providing valuable insights into the political aspects of CDA for language learners Additionally, it seeks to assist language teachers and learners in understanding and effectively applying CDA in their English teaching and learning practices.
Aims & Objectives
This research investigates the grammatical analysis of President Donald Trump's speeches through the lens of Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) It aims to enhance English learners' understanding of political discourse and the role of grammar in shaping meaning The study focuses on the experiential values of grammatical features in Trump's speeches, specifically examining the use of nominalization, active and passive voice, as well as positive and negative sentence structures in his addresses to the United Nations General Assembly.
To achieve the aims of the study, the following objectives are intended to:
- Investigate the textual description in terms of grammar analysis in political speeches by America‘s 45th President in United Nations General Assembly
- Highlight the significant contribution of the experiential values employed in Trump’s speeches
- Identify the nominalizations, active/ passive sentences, and positive/ negative sentences were used in Trump’s speeches.
Research Questions
The following questions are posed, based on the aims and objectives mentioned above, to guide the research process:
1 What are the discourse features of PresidentTrump’s speeches in United Nations General Assembly in terms of grammar analysis in CDA?
2 What are the nominalizations, active/ passive sentences, and positive/ negative sentences that were used in PresidentTrump’s speeches in United Nations General Assembly?
Scope of the Study
This thesis examines Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) in three speeches delivered by President Trump at the United Nations General Assembly, emphasizing their functions It provides a textual analysis centered on grammatical structures within these political speeches, utilizing CDA as a foundational framework.
This study utilizes Fairclough's framework to focus on the description stage, examining the experiential values of grammatical features in Donald Trump's speeches at the United Nations General Assembly It highlights the use of nominalization, active and passive sentences, as well as positive and negative constructions The research intentionally excludes the interpretation and explanation stages, as these involve a different analytical approach In the description phase, the emphasis is on identifying and labeling the formal characteristics of the text based on descriptive categories.
Significance of the Study
Political discourse is a key focus in Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) research, making this study valuable for understanding discourse dynamics Additionally, it lays the groundwork for future analyses of speech through the lens of CDA.
This study aims to enhance the learning experience of English learners by focusing on the impact of language in political speeches It reveals how effective language can shape perceptions in education and society at large Additionally, the findings will equip learners with unique styles and essential strategies for effectively using words in their speeches.
Organization of the study
The study was organized in five chapters as follow:
This chapter covers the rationale, aims, and objectives, research questions, the significance of the study, the scope of the study and the organization of the study
Chapter 2: Literature Review and Theoretical Background
This chapter is divided into two sections: a literature review and a theoretical background The literature review examines relevant research related to the study's topic, while the theoretical background outlines essential theoretical concepts, particularly those pertaining to Critical Discourse Analysis Additionally, this section summarizes previous studies in the research area to identify existing gaps that this study aims to address.
This chapter consists of research methods, the procedure of the study, a description of samples, data analysis
This chapter demonstrates the results of analyzing data to find out of critical element used in President Trump’s speeches in United Nations Assembly
This chapter summarized the major findings, points out the limitations as well as provides implications for teaching and learning, and puts forward suggestions for future research.
LITERATURE REVIEW AND THEORETICAL
Theoretical background
2.2.1 The concept of Discourse analysis
Discourse, encompassing both verbal and written communication, plays a crucial role in offering a framework for various analytical approaches Numerous linguists have studied discourse, leading to a range of definitions that highlight its complexity and significance in language analysis.
According to Crystal (1992) that, discourse is a continuous stretch of (especially spoken) language larger than a sentence, often constituting a coherent unit such as a sermon, argument, joke, or narrative."
Nuan (1993) said that, discourse can be defined as a stretch of language consisting of several sentences which are perceived as being related in some way
Besides, some linguists who emphasize the function of discourse view discourse as language in use As Cook (1989) defined that, “language in use, for communication is called discourse”
Salkie (1995) remarked that “discourse” is “a stretch of language that may be longer than a sentence”
Discourse transcends mere language usage, encompassing non-linguistic elements that reflect social, political, and cultural contexts According to Jaworski and Coupland (1999), discourse not only mirrors social order but also plays a crucial role in shaping it, influencing individuals and their interactions within society.
Moreover, Widdowson (1994) said that discourse as “a communicative process Its situation outcome is a change in a state of affairs: information is conveyed, intentions made clear, its linguistic product is Text”
Based on these definitions, the term discourse obviously can be understood in various ways depending on various aspects
Discourse analysis is a new area of language investigation It grows out of a variety of disciplines in the second half of this century, including linguistics, semiotics, psychology, anthropology and sociology
Brown and Yule (1983) highlight that "discourse analysis" encompasses various meanings and activities across multiple disciplines, including sociolinguistics, psycholinguistics, philosophical linguistics, and computational linguistics They define discourse analysis as the examination of language in practical use.
British discourse analysis was influenced by M.A.K Halliday’s framework that emphasizes the social functions of language and the thematic and informational structure of speech and writing
Discourse Analysis is a prominent field in linguistics, focusing on language in use and its role in communication It examines how language forms convey meanings or intentions within specific contexts This analysis encompasses the identification of linguistic characteristics across various genres, essential for their recognition and interpretation, while also considering cultural and social aspects that enhance understanding Numerous definitions of discourse analysis exist, reflecting its complexity and significance.
In his book "An Introduction to Discourse Analysis," Nguyen Hoa (2000) emphasizes that discourse analysis focuses on the purposes and contexts of language use, as well as the linguistic tools employed to achieve these goals.
This study defines discourse as a purposeful and meaningful use of language, highlighting its significance in language studies Discourse analysis extends beyond the language itself, exploring its connections to society, culture, and thought It is a vital area of research that encompasses various disciplines, including linguistics, sociolinguistics, and psycholinguistics.
Critical discourse analysis (CDA) is a powerful methodology for examining the implications of language in communication The diversity of terms within CDA reflects the numerous influences that have shaped its development As a result, various researchers and scholars have proposed different definitions of CDA, highlighting its complexity and multifaceted nature.
In 1985, in his book “Handbook of Discourse Analysis”, Van Dijk wrote:
Critical discourse analysis (CDA) is a research approach that examines the interplay between social power, dominance, and political contexts By adopting a critical stance, CDA seeks to understand and expose social inequalities, ultimately aiming to resist and challenge these injustices.
According to Van Dijk (1996), “CDA is obviously not a homogenous model, nor a school or a paradigm, but at most a shared perspective on doing linguistics, semiotic or discourse analysis”
Moreover, Fairclough (1995) in his definition perceives CDA as
Discourse analysis systematically investigates the complex relationships between discursive practices, events, and texts, and their connections to broader social and cultural structures It examines how these elements are influenced by power dynamics and ideological struggles, revealing the ways in which they emerge from and are shaped by power relations Additionally, it highlights how the obscurity of these relationships between discourse and society contributes to the maintenance of power and hegemony.
The following are several main points in CDA:
- Discourse is practice and social action (social life) Or in other words, CDA accepts language as a social phenomenon
- Discourse is as an expression of social life, knowledge, social practices
- Social conditions (context) have an important role for the formation and operation of discourse
Language serves as a means for individuals, organizations, and social groups to convey their values and beliefs While language itself lacks inherent power, it transforms into a powerful tool when wielded by those in positions of authority.
Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) not only uncovers the value and significance of language but also examines how it is utilized Grounded in Halliday's (1994) linguistic theory, which emphasizes the functional aspects of language, CDA analyzes interactions by considering their textual, interpersonal, and broader societal contexts, as proposed by SFG theorists (Rogers et al., 2005).
Fairclough's three-dimensional model for Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) encompasses three interrelated processes: text, discourse practice, and sociocultural practice The text dimension focuses on the formal properties of the text, while discourse practice examines the relationship between the text and its interaction Lastly, sociocultural practice addresses the social factors influencing the production and interpretation of discourse, along with its broader social effects.
Figure 2.1 Discourse as text, interaction and context (Fairclough, 1989)
1 Description is the stage which is concerned with the formal properties of the text
2 Interpretation is concerned with the relationship between text and
Text interaction with seeing the text as the product of a process of production, and as a resource in the process of interpretation
3 Explanation is concerned with the relationship between interaction and social context with the social determination of the processes of production and interpretation, and their social effects
Figure 2.2 Fairclough’s three-dimensional framework for the analysis of discourse
Fairclough (1989) outlines a framework for analysis that encompasses three key elements: description, interpretation, and explanation This approach involves detailing the linguistic features of texts, interpreting the connection between the production and interpretation of discursive practices, and providing an explanation of how these elements interact within the context of the texts.
Description focuses on the formal properties of text, as outlined by Fairclough (2001), who presents ten questions along with sub-questions that explore these properties through three key values: experiential, relational, and expressive.
Experiential value reflects the worldview of the text producer, while relational value pertains to the social connections established between the producer and participants Additionally, expressive value relates to the producer's assessment of the discussed topics The article further explores ten sub-questions related to these concepts.
1 What experiential values do words have?
- What classification schemes are drawn upon?
- Are there words which are ideologically contested?
- Is there rewording or over wording?
- What ideologically significant meaning relations (synonym, hyponym, antonym,…) are there between words?
2 What relational values do words have?
- Are there markedly formal or informal words?
3 What expressive values do words have?
5 What experiential values do grammatical features have?
- What types of process and participant predominate?
- Are processes what they seem?
- Are nominalizations, active/ passive sentences, and positive/ negative sentences used?
6 What relational values do grammatical features have?
- What modes (declarative, grammatical question, imperative) are used?
- Are there important features of relational modality?
- Are the pronouns we and you used? And if so, how?
7 What expressive values do grammatical features have?
8 How are sentences linked together?
- What logical connectors are used?
- Are complex sentences characterized by coordination or subordination?
- What means are used for referring inside and outside?
9 What interactional conventions are used?
- Are there ways in which one participant controls?
10 What larger scale structures does the text have?
Previous studies
Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) has garnered significant attention from researchers in linguistics, with influential figures such as Fairclough, Roger, and Gee making notable contributions to the field Key studies by Kress & Hodge (1979), Rogers et al (2005), Van Dijk (1985), and Fairclough (1989) have played a crucial role in elucidating the core assumptions, principles, and methodologies of CDA, further advancing our understanding of language and its societal implications.
In the late 1970s and early 1980s, Roger Fowler and Gunther Kress developed Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA), an interdisciplinary approach that examines discourse through the lens of language as a form of social practice.
Rogers et al., (2005) tried to explicitly comment on the intersections between the two CDA frameworks of Gee (2001) in 'An Introduction to
Discourse Analysis' and Fairclough (1989) in 'Language and power' to allow the theory and method of CDA to be reformulated and applied to important educational issues
The origin of CDA can be traced in critical theory of language which considers the use of “language as a form of social practice” (Fairclough,
Besides, there have also been several M.A theses regarding CDA In
In her 2016 thesis titled “A Critical Discourse Analysis on Abstracts of Education Journal Articles in English and Vietnamese,” Nhu applied Fairclough's (2001) Critical Discourse Analysis framework and Halliday's (1994) Systemic Functional Grammar The study investigated the critical discourse features of abstracts from education journal articles in both languages, revealing similarities in experiential, relational, and textual values Additionally, it highlighted differences in modes of use, prioritized topics, and lexical strategies employed to convey experiential meaning.
In her 2016 master thesis, "A Critical Discourse Analysis of Online Game Advertisements in English," Hanh employed both quantitative and qualitative methods to analyze the linguistic features, discourse processes, and social implications of English online game advertisements The quantitative approach allowed her to summarize and synthesize data, revealing that advertisers strategically utilize linguistic features and persuasive techniques to convey their power and ideology, ultimately influencing and manipulating consumer perceptions and behaviors.
The thesis by Duong (2018), titled "A Critical Discourse Analysis of the Speeches of Margaret Thatcher and Theresa May," examines the interplay of language, power, and ideology in political discourse Utilizing both quantitative and qualitative methods, the study analyzes key speeches to uncover how these elements are expressed and related within the context of political communication.
Political speech
The political speech focuses on its content and purposes, not the source of a message, the ways and means of expression of a political nature
Political speech refers to public discourse that addresses the allocation of authority and resources, decision-making power, and social significance It serves as a platform for commenting on issues of public interest and concern.
Political speech encompasses a broad range of topics, including taxes, immigration, healthcare, race, religion, abortion, and electoral candidates It is communicated through various media, such as speeches and newspapers, making it a pervasive aspect of public discourse.
Political speech plays a crucial role in shaping discourse, as it involves presidents, political figures, protestors, talk show hosts, and editorial writers discussing significant issues These speeches can be remarkably powerful and eloquent, reflecting intellectual depth and respect, akin to renowned works such as Ho Chi Minh's Declaration of Independence and Harper Lee’s writings.
To Kill a Mockingbird, and Shepard Fairey’s famous “Hope” poster of President Obama.
Summary
This chapter presents a comprehensive literature review and theoretical background of the research, emphasizing Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) It discusses Fairclough's frameworks and the impact of systemic functional grammar on CDA processes Additionally, the chapter reviews previous studies conducted by various researchers in the field of CDA, highlighting its significance in academic discourse.
In summary, the concepts discussed in this chapter will provide the theoretical foundation for analyzing English political speeches in Chapter 4 Additionally, the following chapter will outline the research methodology employed in this study.
RESEARCH METHODS
Research methods
This study utilized Fairclough’s analytical framework, which encompasses three essential steps of critical discourse analysis: description, focusing on text analysis; interpretation, involving processing analysis; and explanation, which addresses social analysis.
In this research, quantitative and qualitative methods were employed when analyzing the data Besides the two main methods, analytic, descriptive and synthetic methods were utilized
Firstly, the quantitative was used, descriptive and synthetic method to investigate the frequency of occurrence of elements in the theory of CDA and their distribution
Secondly, the qualitative and analytic method was used to explore linguistic information in political speeches
Lastly, this method is also used in interpretation and explanation to clarify the social effects of political speeches.
Research procedures
The study was completed with the following procedures
To effectively analyze the data, it is essential to understand the theoretical background related to this study Additionally, reviewing previous research and studies will provide valuable insights into the work that has already been conducted in this field.
Secondly, the speeches of Donald Trump in the United Nations General Assembly were collected
The analysis of President Trump's speeches at the United Nations General Assembly focused on identifying linguistic features related to experiential meaning, utilizing critical discourse analysis (CDA) This included examining grammatical elements such as nominalizations, the use of active and passive sentences, and the presence of positive and negative constructions.
Next, the findings in the political speeches of President Trump in the United Nations General Assembly were compared, contrasted, and discussed in this study
Lastly, some implications were suggested for understanding the political speeches of President Trump in the United Nations General Assembly.
Data collection
To support the intention of this study, I used the data which were speeches of President Trump in the United Nation General Assembly
The data for analysis are three speeches of President Trump in the United Nations General Assembly are collected from the website ‘The White House’ (https://www.whitehouse.gov)
The speeches chosen for the study had to be identified through some criteria as follows:
- The speeches are in the United Nations General Assembly of President Trump
- The average length of each political speech of President Trump from nearly 3500 to over 4500 words
- The audience of the speech is international
From 2017 to 2019, President Trump had political speeches in three 72 nd ,
73 rd and 74 th session of the UNGA
Table 3 1 President Trump’s speeches in the United Nation General Assembly Name of speech Period time Total words Audience
Trump to the 72 nd Session of the UNGA
Trump to the 73 rd Session of the UNGA
Trump to the 74 th Session of the UNGA
Data analysis
The collected data were analyzed as follows:
This study utilized qualitative, quantitative, and comparative methods to analyze President Trump's political speeches, focusing on critical discourse analysis (CDA) and the experiential value of grammar The research highlighted the use of nominalizations, active and passive constructions, as well as positive and negative sentences in his addresses at the United Nations General Assembly.
The analysis presented frequencies and percentages summarized in tables, accompanied by discussions and examples drawn from three speeches delivered by President Trump at the United Nations General Assembly.
Reliability and validity
This study utilized data sourced from a highly reputable website representing the United States Government, ensuring authenticity and reliability The accuracy of the language in the collected data reinforces the validity of the research, making it credible that all information is both reliable and accessible.
This research was conducted using Fairclough's framework, grounded in the Systematic Functional Grammar Approach, employing various methods to achieve comprehensive results.
To sum up, the study was done as carefully in order to maintain the reliability and validity of the study.
Summary
From this chapter, the procedures and methods were presented with some summarizing remarks as below:
Firstly, many different methods were used in this study as descriptive, contrastive, quantitative, and qualitative methods
Secondly, this study was done with the theoretical background from Fairclough's framework which based on the Systematic Functional Grammar Approach
Thirdly, the data analysis would focus on analyzing in terms of the grammar of CDA with the experiential value of grammar as well as the discourse analysis
Finally, the data was collected from a dependable website, so the quality of the data is entirely reliable and available.
FINDINGS AND DISCUSSION
Experiential values of grammatical features
Fairclough (2001) explains that the experiential aspects of grammar relate to how grammatical structures in a language represent events and the connections between the entities—be they people, animals, or objects—engaged in those events This includes considerations of their spatial and temporal contexts, as well as the manner in which these events unfold.
The experiential values of grammar focus on the grammatical structures that comprise language, including sentences and ideologies This article emphasizes the importance of examining transitivity (process and participant), voice (active and passive), and nominalization to understand how these grammatical elements uphold experiential values in communication.
Transitivity generally refers to how meaning is represented in the clause
Transitivity in language reveals how speakers convey their mental representations of reality and interpret their experiences It is integral to the ideational function of language, focusing on the transmission of ideas Analyzing transitivity involves examining the predominant types of processes and participants, as these grammatical elements can carry ideological significance In my research, I identified 792 clauses, including embedded ones, and proceeded with a thorough transitivity analysis.
Transitivity
In English, six distinct types of processes are identified, with the three primary categories being material, mental, and relational, each encompassing a few subtypes Additionally, there are three other types: behavioral, verbal, and existential.
Halliday (1994) emphasizes that process types serve as a vital tool for conveying experimental meaning These processes represent reality and enhance the reliability and persuasiveness of the speaker's arguments.
A process is composed of three essential elements: the Process itself, the Participants involved, and the Circumstances surrounding it Participants can encompass individuals, objects, or concepts, while the Process includes various physical, mental, and verbal activities or states of being The Conditions or Circumstances refer to the environment in which these activities take place The characteristics of the process dictate the type and number of participants engaged.
The material process, often referred to as the process of doing or physical action, is characterized by verbs that denote tangible actions This process typically involves two primary participants: the Actor, who performs the action, and the Goal, which is the recipient of that action Additionally, the material process may include other participants such as the Beneficiary, who benefits from the action, and the Range, which defines the scope of the action.
Up to 60.86% of the clauses with 482 occurrences collected are expressed with material process whose number is obviously much higher than the total number of the other types
Table 4 1 Material process in three President Trump’s political speeches
Types of process Material Politic Occurrence 482
We live in a time of extraordinary opportunity Actor Process material Range
Authority and authoritarian powers seek to collapse the values, the systems and alliances
International criminal networks traffic drugs, weapons, people;
We meet at a time of both of immense promise and great peril
Our success depends on a coalition of strong and independent nations Actor Process material Range
This week gives our country a special reason to take pride in that example Actor Process material Beneficiary Goal
That realism forces us to confront a question facing every leader and nation in this room, Actor Process material Beneficiary Goal
Americ a stands with every person living under a brutal regime
We would give our lives to defend
Actor Process material Beneficiary Goal
Some examples in the remarks by President Trump to the 73 rd Session of the United Nations General Assembly are below:
I addressed the threats facing our world
We have engaged with North Korea to replace the specter of conflict with a bold and new push for peace
The Gulf countries opened a new center to target terrorist financing
Iran’s military budget grew nearly 40 percent
We also took another significant step forward in the Middle East
The United States will not be taken advantage of any longer
States opened its economy – the largest, by far, on Earth – with few conditions
Responsible nations must defend against threats to sovereignty not just from global governance,
We are witnessing a human tragedy,
The passion that burn in the heart of patriots
The following are some examples in the remarks by President Trump to the 74 th Session of the United Nations General Assembly:
Seven decades of history have passed through this hall,
Which give us our singular potential and strength Actor Process material Beneficiary Goal
The future belongs to sovereign and independent nations Actor Process material Range
I recently meet the CEO of a terrific American
We endeavor to stabilize our relationship
Mexico is showing us great respect
Actor Process material Beneficiary Goal
We affirm the right of all people to live in dignity
My administration launched the Women’s Global
Our Founders gave us a system designed to restrain this dangerous impulse Actor Process material Beneficiary Goal
The material process serves as a powerful tool in presenting factual evidence of political issues within a country, highlighting the influence and consequences of these problems Its primary function is to enhance the reliability and persuasiveness of politicians' arguments, making it an essential element in political discourse.
The mental process encompasses three key components: perception, cognition, and affection Perception involves the ability to sense through seeing, hearing, feeling, tasting, and smelling Cognition refers to the mental activities of assuming, believing, concluding, and discovering Affection encompasses emotional responses such as enjoyment, love, fear, and preference Together, these elements shape our understanding and experience of the world.
Participants in mental process involves: Sensor who is the conscious being and Phenomenon which is the sensed, felt or thought
The mental process dominates 98 occurrences, making up a frequency of 12.37% of the clauses in President Trump’s three political speeches
Table 4 2 Mental process in three President Trump’s political speeches
Below are examples in the remarks by President Trump to the 72 nd Session of the United Nations General Assembly:
I intend to address some of the very serious threats before us today Sensor Process mental Phenomenon
We do not expect diverse countries to share the same cultures, traditions, or even systems
Our citizens can enjoy peace and prosperity tomorrow Sensor Process mental Phenomenon
They respect neither their own citizens nor the sovereign rights of their countries Sensor Process mental
I don’t think you’ve head the last of it
We appreciate the effort of United Nations agencies
We believe that no nation should have to bear a disproportionate share of the burden, militarily or financially
Maduro has defined his own people
We realized who we were, what we valued,…
Here are some examples in the remarks by President Trump to the 73 rd Session of the United Nations General Assembly:
I assumed office less than two years ago
We cannot allow the world’s leading sponsor of terrorism to process the planet’s most dangerous weapons
(4.43) they want for themselves and their children
We reject the ideology of globalism
We realize the U.N’s highest aspirations
We think of the many before us
We believe in self-government and the rule of law
Some examples in the remarks by President Trump to the 74 th Session of the United Nations General Assembly are as follow:
China was admitted to the World Trade Organization Sensor Process mental Phenomenon
Micron was banned from selling its own goods in
China Sensor Process mental Phenomenon
I will not accept a bad deal for the American people Sensor Process mental Phenomenon
America will never tolerate such anti-Semitic hate
You will not be allowed in
I was also pleased to host leaders for a discussion about an ironclad American commitment Sensor Process mental Phenomenon
We in America in America believe that every child
Founders understood that there will always be those …
The mental process often reflects subjective evaluations and comments, playing a significant role in political speeches This process allows politicians to effectively convey their attitudes and political perspectives, highlighting the importance of mental assessments in shaping public opinion.
The relational process, which encompasses the concepts of being and having, is a commonly utilized element in political speeches It constitutes 20.83% of the overall analysis, with 165 instances identified, making it the second most frequent type compared to other processes.
The relational process involves attributing qualities to entities, enhancing their perceived effectiveness This process, encompassing being, having, and existing, serves politicians well in conveying their messages By utilizing the identifying process, politicians effectively communicate their political speeches, employing the Carrier and Attribute identities to represent the truth.
Table 4 3 Mental process in three President Trump’s political speeches
Types of process Relational Politic speeches
Let’s take a look at some examples in the remarks by President Trump to the 72 nd Session of the United Nations General Assembly below:
American people a re strong and resilient
They ‘re pillars of peace, sovereignty, security, and prosperity Carrier Attribute
America’s devotion is measured on the battlefields
States is ready, willing and able, but hopefully this will not be necessary
Deal was one of the worst and most one-sided transactions the United States has ever entered into
States and our allies are working together throughout the Middle
East to crush the loser terrorists and stop the reemergence of safe havens
States is one out of 193 countries in the United
That goal is to help them regain their freedom,…
The Revolution was in the minds and hearts of the people
The American story is the story of what is possible when people take ownership of their future
The following are some examples in the remarks by President Trump to the 73 rd Session of the United Nations General Assembly:
America’s economy is booming like never before
The missiles and rockets are no longer flying in every direction
Our new approach is also yielding great strides and very historic change
The ongoing tragedy in Syria is heartbreaking
The Iran deal was a windfall for Iran’s leaders
OPEC and OPEC nations are As usual, ripping off the rest of the world
Venezuela was one of the richest countries on Earth
States is committed to making the United Nations more effective and accountable
The whole world is richer
Here are some examples in the remarks by President Trump to the
Israel is malignant cancerous tumor
America is ready to embrace friendship with all …
Mass illegal migration is unfair, unsafe, and unsustainable for everyone involved
Your policies are cruel and evil
I am President of the United States
Our region is full of such incredible promise
Maduro is a Cuban puppet, protected by Cuban bodyguards
Empower women are Much wealthier, safer and much more politically stable
The future will be brighter
In political discourse, the relationships established within the speech play a crucial role in conveying its value and purpose, primarily aimed at educating and informing the audience This relational process emphasizes key information and highlights significant issues that warrant attention.
Behavioral process is a process of behaving The participants: behaver, behavior (range) and phenomenon
In President Trump's three political speeches, the behavioral process was utilized infrequently, appearing only 14 times, which constitutes a mere 1.77% of the total clauses.
Table 4 4 Mental process in three President Trump’s political speeches
Below are some examples in three the remarks by President Trump to the 72 nd , 73 rd , and the 74 th Session of the United Nations General Assembly:
We have already seen a number of encouraging measures Behaver Process behavioral Range
We see awesome promise of a people bound together by a shark Behaver Process behavioral Range
We have seen the foundation of nations
We have seen the ringleaders of revolution
The world have heard from presidents and premiers at the height of the Cold War Behaver Process behavioral Range
We are watching the Venezuela situation very closely Behaver Process behavioral Range
We see alarming signs and new challenges to liberty Behaver Process behavioral Range
Patriots see a nation and its destiny in ways no one else can Behaver Process behavioral Range
In three political speeches, the behavioral process which is also some way to expose the society responds towards the current activities regarding political problems taking place around
Verbal process is a process of saying Participants in this process contains: Sayer, Receiver, Location and Target
The verbal process is another rarely was used with 33 occurrences, accounting for 4.17% of the clauses in President Trump’s three political speeches
Table 4 5 Verbal process in three President Trump’s political speeches
Here are some examples in the remarks by President Trump to the 72 nd
Rogue regimes represented in this body not humanity
President Trump said in his message to Congress
We must deny the terrorists safe haven, transit, funding, and any form of support for their vile and sinister ideology
I announced a new strategy for victory in the fight against this evil in Afghanistan Sayer Process verbal Receiver
Our security interest will dictate the length and scope of military operations
We call for the full restoration of democracy and political freedoms in Venezuela Sayer Process verbal Location
I ask every country represented here today to be prepared to do more to address this very real crisis
Sayer Process verbal Receiver Location
Those who preach the tenets of these discredited ideologies only contribute continued suffering of the people Sayer Process verbal
We are calling for a great reawakening of nation Sayer Process verbal Location
History is asking us whether we are up to the task Sayer Process verbal Receiver Location
Some examples in the remarks by President Trump to the 73 rd Session of the United Nations General Assembly are below:
States will not tell you how to live or work or worship
Sayer Process verbal Receiver Location
We only ask that you honor our sovereignty in return Sayer Process verbal Location
We ask All nation to isolate Iran’s regime as long as its aggression continues
Sayer Process verbal Receiver Location
We announced A groundbreaking U.S.-Mexico trade agreement Sayer Process verbal Location
I spoke before this body last year and warned
We ask other countries to respect our own right to do the same
Sayer Process verbal Receiver Location
We are announcing additional sanctions against the repressive regime, targeting Maduro’s inner circle … Sayer Pr verbal Location
We are taking a hard look at U.S foreign assistance Sayer Process verbal Location
I have said many times that
I have told our negotiators that the United States will not pay more than
25 percent of the U.N peacekeeping budget Sayer Process verbal Receiver Location
The following are some examples in the remarks by President Trump to the 74 th Session of the United Nations General Assembly:
Our leaders then argued that this decision with
China Sayer Process verbal Location
I have told Kim Jong Un what I truly believe Sayer Process verbal Receiver Location
I last spoke in this hall, the United States and our partners have built a historic coalition of 55 countries that recognize the legitimate government of
I repeat a message for the world
Sayer Process verbal Location Receiver
States is taking steps to better screen foreign technology and investments and to protect our data and our security
In political discourse, the verbal process is utilized, though less commonly This process involves subjects conveying actions through words at a significant level, employing terms such as talk, ask, represent, announce, and dictate.
4.2.6 Frequency of occurrence of process in the speeches of
President Trump in the UNGA
After collecting 792 clauses (including embedded clauses) in English political speeches, I have the table showing the result of transitivity
Table 4 6 Transitivity in three President Trump’s political speeches Types of process Occurrence Percent (%)
Table 4.1 highlights the significance of experiential meaning in comprehending the role of spokesmen in political speeches The analysis reveals a variety of processes—material, relational, mental, behavioral, and verbal—present in these speeches However, it is important to note that the frequency of each process type varies significantly.
In political speeches, the material type is predominant, appearing 482 times and constituting 60.86% of the total usage Relational language follows, with 165 occurrences, representing 20.83% Mental references are also notable, with 98 instances accounting for 12.37% In contrast, behavioral and verbal types are used far less frequently, with only 14 and 33 occurrences, corresponding to 1.77% and 4.17%, respectively.
The ratio of the transitivity in political speeches English is also presented in the following figure
Figure 4.1 Transitivity in English political speeches
The analysis reveals that political speeches predominantly utilize two major types of processes: the material process, accounting for 60.86%, and the relational process, which constitutes 20.83% Additionally, the mental process represents 12.37%, with other processes making up the remaining percentage.
The use of voice
The distinction between active and passive sentences, as well as positive and negative constructions, plays a crucial role in grammar Fairclough (2001) suggests that these sentence forms often obscure deeper meanings and beliefs, instead serving as indicators of underlying concepts.
The "pragmatic" aspects of a communication event highlight the speaker's intentions, perspectives, and emotions, as well as their interactional concerns like positive self-presentation and impression management This is particularly evident in political speeches, where speakers address various political issues while aiming to shape their audience's perceptions.
A balanced distribution of active and passive sentences, as well as positive and negative constructions, is essential in political speeches This approach aligns with the goal of effectively informing and persuading the audience.
In English grammar, the active voice occurs when the subject performs the action, while the passive voice is used when the subject receives the action of a transitive verb.
In an analysis of three political speeches by President Trump, it was found that only 104 out of 694 sentences, or 14.99%, were in passive voice This indicates that more than 85% of the sentences used active voice, highlighting Trump's preference for direct and engaging communication in his speeches.
Table 4 7 Distribution of Active/Passive sentences in three President Trump’s political speeches
“The American people are strong and resilient, and they will emerge from these hardships more determined than ever before.”
(The remarks by President Trump to the 72 nd Session of the UNGA) (4.128)
“The United States lost over 3 million manufacturing jobs, nearly a quarter of all steel jobs, and 60,000 factories after China joined the WTO”
(The remarks by President Trump to the 73 rd Session of the UNGA) (4.129)
As the United Kingdom makes preparations to exit the European Union,
I have made clear that we stand ready to complete an exceptional new trade agreement with the UK that will bring tremendous benefits to both of our countries
(The remarks by President Trump to the 74 th Session of the UNGA) Below are some examples of passive sentences in three President Trump's political speeches at UNGA
Founded in the wake of two world wars, this institution aims to foster a better future through international cooperation Its vision emphasizes the collaboration of diverse nations to safeguard their sovereignty, enhance security, and promote shared prosperity.
(The remarks by President Trump to the 72 nd Session of the UNGA) (4.131)
“I was greatly honored to address the leaders of more than 50 Arab and Muslim nations.”
(The remarks by President Trump to the 72 nd Session of the UNGA) (4.132)
“The United States is committed to a future of peace and stability in the region, including peace between the Israelis and the Palestinians.”
(The remarks by President Trump to the 73 rd Session of the UNGA) (4.133)
“America is governed by Americans.”
(The remarks by President Trump to the 73 rd Session of the UNGA) (4.134)
“Fueled by massive tax cuts and regulations cuts, jobs are being produced at a historic rate.”
(The remarks by President Trump to the 74 th Session of the UNGA) (4.135)
““The core rights and values America defends today were inscribed in
During the 74th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, President Trump delivered significant remarks that highlighted key issues on the global stage An analysis of his speeches reveals a notable balance between active and passive sentence structures, showcasing his rhetorical style and approach to communication This distribution reflects the effectiveness of his messaging in engaging the audience and conveying his political agenda.
The data illustrated in the table and pie chart indicates that President Trump predominantly employs an active voice over a passive one This choice likely reflects his belief that active sentences enhance clarity for the audience For politicians, utilizing a significant number of active clauses is crucial in reducing ambiguity and preventing misunderstandings.
Analysis of three political speeches by President Trump reveals that only 69 out of 694 sentences are negative, representing less than 10% of the total In contrast, the majority of sentences are positive, highlighting an overall optimistic tone in his rhetoric.
In an analysis of three political speeches delivered by President Trump, it was found that there were 625 occurrences of positive sentiment, representing over 90% of the total sentences The accompanying table illustrates the distribution of positive and negative sentences, highlighting the predominance of positive expressions throughout the speeches.
Table 4 8 Distribution of Positive/Negative sentences in three President
Trump’s political speeches Voice Occurrence Percent (%)
Let’s take a look at some examples of positive sentences in three President Trump's political speeches at UNGA below:
“The American people are strong and resilient, and they will emerge from these hardships more determined than ever before.”
(The remarks by President Trump to the 72 nd Session of the UNGA)
“We believe that when nations respect the rights of their neighbors, and defend the interests of their people
(The remarks by President Trump to the 73 rd Session of the UNGA) (4.135)
“The World Trade Organization needs drastic change.”
(The remarks by President Trump to the 74 th Session of the UNGA) Some examples of negative sentences in three President Trump's political speeches at UNGA are as follow:
“We cannot let a murderous regime continue these destabilizing activities while building dangerous missiles.”
(The remarks by President Trump to the 72 nd Session of the UNGA) (4.137)
“We cannot allow the world’s leading sponsor of terrorism to possess the planet’s most dangerous weapons.”
(The remarks by President Trump to the 73 rd Session of the UNGA) (4.138)
“But as I have made very clear, I will not accept a bad deal for the
During the 74th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, President Trump delivered remarks that highlighted the balance of positive and negative sentiments in his political speeches An analysis of these speeches reveals a notable distribution ratio between positive and negative statements, underscoring the complexities of his communication style.
Figure 4.3 Distribution of Positive/Negative sentences in three President
Analysis of the data reveals that President Trump predominantly employs a positive tone in his speeches, as illustrated by the accompanying table and pie chart This strategic use of positive language enhances his ability to persuade listeners and convey valuable information effectively.
The use of nominalizations
Nominalization plays a crucial role in enhancing experiential value by converting processes into nouns or multi-word compound nouns This linguistic feature contributes to sentence coherence and enables speakers to succinctly summarize information within phrases, thereby improving clarity and understanding in communication.
In President Trump's three English political speeches, nominalizations are utilized 499 times, highlighting a linguistic trend where nouns are derived from verbs or adjectives This technique simplifies the language by reducing the reliance on lengthy sentences that include subjects and predicates.
The use of the nominalization has shortened the length of the speech and helps the listener focus on the important part of the speech
Nominalization was observed in the speeches, highlighting the transformation of verbs and adjectives into nouns such as representative, appreciation, and assistance Other notable examples include generations, dislocation, sovereignty, and security, as well as obligation, institutions, and oppression Additionally, terms like assassination, allies, denuclearization, resolution, construction, transactions, and embarrassment were also identified, showcasing the diverse use of nominalized language in the discourse.
Nominalization is the transformation of verbs or adjectives into nouns, a technique frequently employed in political speech Politicians often convert various parts of speech into nouns, particularly from verbs and adjectives, to enhance the formality of their rhetoric By utilizing noun phrases in place of verbs or adjectives, they achieve a more polished and sophisticated style in their speeches.
Summary
From the perspective of systemic functional grammar and critical discourse analysis (CDA), analyzing grammatical structures involves examining the types of processes and participants prevalent in discourse, as well as the use of voice and nominalization These elements enable speakers to express their ideologies and attitudes toward their audience effectively.
In three of President Trump's political speeches, the predominant process utilized was the material process, followed by relational processes Additionally, mental processes and verbal processes were also present, while behavioral processes appeared in at least three instances throughout his speeches.
Passive sentences are used infrequently, while active voice predominates in communication This preference for active voice allows speakers to convey positive messages more effectively, enhancing their ability to persuade listeners and provide valuable information.
The use of nominalization in speeches not only condenses the length but also directs the listener's attention to key points By employing noun phrases in place of verbs or adjectives, speakers can achieve a more formal tone, particularly in political discourse.
CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATION
Conclusion
This study employs descriptive, qualitative, and quantitative methods to analyze three political speeches by President Trump through the lens of Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) The data was meticulously collected, reviewed, and selected, followed by classification and analysis focusing on the experiential values reflected in grammatical features.
This study focuses on the description stage of Fairclough's framework, analyzing the linguistic features of three speeches by President Donald Trump at the United Nations General Assembly It explores how these features relate to the speakers' ideologies and power dynamics, specifically examining the grammatical aspects that contribute to the experiential values in Trump's rhetoric Key elements such as nominalization, active and passive constructions, and the use of positive and negative sentences are identified The research does not include interpretation and explanation stages, as the nature of analysis evolves across different stages.
The findings of this study which was analyzed carefully to reach a much convincing conclusion in political speeches in light of CDA as follows:
Political speeches primarily utilize material processes to convey experiential values, followed by relational and mental processes Verbal and behavioral processes are used less frequently in this context This analysis aims to contribute to the understanding of cultural practices within the framework of Systematic Functional Grammar.
To enhance unity, coherence, logic, and persuasion in political speeches, speakers must carefully consider their choice of voice The use of active versus passive sentences, as well as positive and negative constructions, can significantly impact the emotional response and empathy of the audience.
In conclusion, effective use of nominalization enhances the persuasiveness and utility of this thesis To achieve communication goals, speakers must adeptly choose their words to express ideas and attitudes clearly.
Implication
The study aims to apply its findings in real-world language learning and teaching, emphasizing the significance of Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) in linguistics and society CDA plays a crucial role in academic and political contexts, offering insights into discourse from various perspectives By enhancing critical thinking regarding publicly shared political information and decision-making processes, CDA contributes to the overall development of critical thinking skills.
Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) plays a vital role in language teaching and learning By examining the analyzed results of three political speeches, it becomes evident that teachers should focus on the power dynamics inherent in language, a key concern of the CDA approach.
The findings of the study will probably help equip teachers with some basic knowledge of CDA such as experiential values in grammatical features
In the dynamics of teaching and learning, there are notable parallels between the roles of participants and the interactions between speakers and their listeners Typically, teachers hold the power in this relationship, while students often adopt a passive role, making them susceptible to the influence of the teacher's ideas This power imbalance can stifle the creativity of learners Therefore, it is crucial for teachers to exercise caution in how they wield their authority during the educational process.
This research is valuable for upper-intermediate and advanced learners, as it enhances their understanding of the genre through Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) By mastering these features, learners can strengthen their linguistic skills and improve their overall language acquisition.
Limitations
Critical discourse analysis is a broad field that presents certain limitations in research This thesis specifically focuses on the fifth question of the description stage in Fairclough's framework, examining the experiential values of grammatical features in political speeches It highlights the use of nominalization, active and passive sentences, as well as positive and negative constructions within these speeches Notably, the interpretation and explanation stages are excluded, as the nature of “analysis” varies across different stages.
The existing research on political speech discourse from a Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) perspective is limited, which poses challenges for this thesis Due to constraints such as available reference materials, time limitations, and the scope of a minor thesis, the research may not achieve the desired depth, resulting in less satisfactory outcomes To enhance the credibility and usefulness of this study, I welcome feedback and suggestions from teachers, peers, and anyone interested in this thesis.
Suggestions for further research
Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) is an innovative linguistic approach that serves as an effective tool for analyzing and comprehending language dynamics It is highly beneficial for language learners and researchers, offering deeper insights into the intricate relationship between language and power Embracing CDA can enhance one's understanding of how discourse shapes societal structures and influences communication.
For the sake of making a further investigation into this field, some suggestions can be put forward as follows:
- An investigation into critical discourse analysis features of political speeches in the aspects of interpretation and explanation
- A critical discourse analysis of political articles in English versus Vietnamese
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1 Remarks by President Trump to the 72nd Session of the
Link: https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefings-statements/remarks- president-trump-72nd-session-united-nations-general-assembly/
President Trump addressed world leaders and distinguished delegates in New York, expressing his profound honor to represent the American people and speak to the global audience.
In the wake of the devastating hurricanes that have impacted our nation, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to all the leaders present for their support and assistance The strength and resilience of the American people will shine through these challenges, and they will emerge from this adversity with renewed determination.
Since Election Day on November 8th, the United States has experienced significant economic growth, with the stock market reaching an all-time high and unemployment hitting its lowest point in 16 years Thanks to regulatory reforms, the workforce is at its largest ever, and companies are relocating back to the U.S., fostering unprecedented job growth Additionally, a substantial investment of nearly $700 billion has been announced to address pressing challenges and unlock the country's vast potential.
We live in a time of extraordinary opportunity Breakthroughs in science, technology, and medicine are curing illnesses and solving problems that prior generations thought impossible to solve
Every day, we face increasing threats to our values and cherished ideals, as terrorists and extremists gain strength across the globe Rogue regimes, present in this assembly, not only back terrorism but also pose significant dangers to other nations and their own citizens through the potential use of devastating weapons.
Authority and authoritarian powers seek to collapse the values, the systems, and alliances that prevented conflict and tilted the world toward freedom since World War II
International criminal networks traffic drugs, weapons, people; force dislocation and mass migration; threaten our borders; and new forms of aggression exploit technology to menace our citizens
We stand at a crucial juncture filled with both significant opportunities and serious challenges The choice is ours to either elevate the world to unprecedented levels of progress or allow it to descend into a state of decline.
We have the ability to eradicate poverty for millions, empower our citizens to achieve their dreams, and raise future generations of children in an environment free from violence, hatred, and fear.
Founded in the wake of two world wars, this institution aims to foster a better future through international cooperation It embodies the belief that diverse nations can work together to safeguard their sovereignty, enhance their security, and promote shared prosperity.
Seventy years ago, the United States initiated the Marshall Plan to aid in the restoration of Europe, establishing three fundamental pillars: peace, sovereignty, and security, which collectively foster prosperity.
The Marshall Plan was founded on the principle that global safety is enhanced when nations are strong, independent, and free President Truman emphasized this in his message to Congress, stating that supporting European recovery aligns with the United Nations' mission, as the UN's success relies on the independent strength of its member nations.
To navigate current challenges and unlock future potential, we must draw on the lessons of history Our achievements rely on a coalition of empowered and sovereign nations committed to fostering security, prosperity, and peace both domestically and globally.
While we recognize that diverse countries have unique cultures, traditions, and governmental systems, we believe all nations should adhere to two fundamental sovereign responsibilities: prioritizing the interests of their citizens and respecting the rights of other sovereign nations This vision embodies the essence of cooperation and success within the international community.
Strong, sovereign nations let diverse countries with different values, different cultures, and different dreams not just coexist, but work side by side on the basis of mutual respect
Empowered and sovereign nations enable their citizens to shape their own futures and determine their destinies By fostering an environment where individuals can thrive, these nations align with the divine purpose intended for human life.
In America, we do not seek to impose our way of life on anyone, but still in use in the world today
This enduring document has served as a cornerstone for peace, prosperity, and freedom for Americans and has inspired millions worldwide, emphasizing the importance of human nature, dignity, and the rule of law.
The greatest in the United States Constitution is its first three beautiful words They are: “We the people.”
For generations, Americans have made sacrifices to uphold the promise of our nation and its rich history In the United States, sovereignty rests with the people, who govern and rule themselves My election was not about seizing power, but rather about empowering the American people, where true authority belongs.