INTRODUCTION
Rationale of the study
Language is a vital tool in our lives, enabling us to communicate and express our perspectives on the world It serves as a medium through which we share messages and ideas, utilizing words, gestures, and tone to enhance our communication across various situations As the unique voice of each individual, language reveals the speaker's ideas and power The speeches of political leaders exemplify the profound connection between thought, language, and influence.
Politicians often employ specific linguistic strategies to deliver persuasive speeches, with oratorical skill serving as a powerful tool to influence public opinion and garner support for their policies Linguistic analysts frequently focus on the speeches of influential figures, particularly the Presidents of the United States, attracting attention from researchers, critics, and the media alike Notably, numerous studies have been conducted on President Obama's addresses, while President Donald Trump has garnered significant global media attention due to his background as a billionaire and businessman, rather than as a traditional politician His Speech to the Arab Islamic American Summit, delivered on May 21st, exemplifies this unique approach to communication.
In 2017, President Donald Trump introduced a new diplomatic strategy aimed at combating extremism and terrorism in the Middle East and Arab Islamic nations during his first foreign visit This significant speech garnered widespread attention, prompting me to select it as the focus of my thesis.
In this analysis, I utilize Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) to examine President Donald Trump's speech, highlighting how language serves as a form of social practice By applying CDA, I aim to uncover the intricate relationship between language, power, and ideology, revealing the persuasive strategies employed by Trump and identifying the ideological characteristics that define his rhetoric.
Aims of the study
Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) often focuses on public speeches such as advertisements, political addresses, and official documents to examine the interplay between language, ideology, and power Political speeches, particularly those of presidential figures, serve as rich resources for linguists due to their unique language expressions and persuasive intentions The analysis of presidential addresses has garnered attention from linguists, political scientists, and historians alike, especially following significant events like inaugurations This study specifically aims to explore the persuasive strategies utilized by President Donald Trump in his public speaking, highlighting the stylistic techniques he employs and uncovering the underlying ideologies present in his speeches Ultimately, the study seeks to achieve three objectives: to apply CDA principles to identify Trump's persuasive strategies, to reveal the ideologies embedded in his speech, and to illustrate the relationship between language and ideology.
To serve the aim of the study as mentioned, the study necessarily targets the answers to the following questions:
What are Donald Trump‘s themes/ideologies in his speech?
How are his themes/ideologies represented linguistically?
Scope of the study
This analysis of Donald Trump's speech focuses exclusively on the verbal elements of the text, intentionally excluding extralinguistic factors such as facial expressions and eye contact, which are significant in discourse analysis The speech aims to foster closer connections between nations and does not engage in political arguments typical of election debates Furthermore, this study is limited to a Critical Discourse Analysis perspective of the selected speech.
The significance of thesis
The application of Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) to the speeches of influential political figures, particularly U.S presidents and politicians, is a well-established approach However, the exploration of unique linguistic strategies and ideologies remains a compelling area of study, as each individual exhibits a distinct language style This analysis aims to uncover the intricate relationship between language, ideology, and power within these speeches Furthermore, this thesis proposes future research directions for analyzing the addresses of notable figures in politics and other fields.
This thesis aims to identify the key linguistic strategies employed by Donald Trump to persuade his audiences and to explore his ideological stance in speeches By analyzing these elements, the study seeks to enhance the understanding of President Trump's unique communication style in comparison to his predecessors The findings of this research will contribute to a deeper insight into the distinct characteristics of Trump's rhetoric.
4 contribute to the effectiveness and feasibility of analyzing political discourse applied in reality and raise awareness of how language is used to construct ideologies and power.
Methodology of the study
The study employs Fairclough's analytical framework, which consists of three stages of Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) These stages are encapsulated in Fairclough's "three-dimensional method of discourse analysis," established in 1995.
1) Description stage, which is related to the formal properties of the text
2) Interpretation stage, which is concerned with the relationship between texts and interaction
3) Explanation stage, which is concerned with the relationship between interaction and social context
This study employs Halliday's Systemic Functional Grammar, focusing on its ideational, interpersonal, and textual functions to analyze the speech's grammar and vocabulary This approach uncovers the linguistic strategies utilized in the address.
Background of the data
Donald John Trump, born on June 14, 1946, is the 45th President of the United States, having taken office on January 20, 2017 Prior to his political career, he was a businessman and television personality with a longstanding interest in politics In the 2016 presidential race, he represented the Republican Party and triumphed over sixteen opponents, ultimately defeating Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton in the general election on November 8, 2016 Trump is notable for being the oldest and wealthiest individual to assume the presidency.
The speech marks a confused stage of Donald Trump, when he gets stuck in the criticism and observation of America press According to CNN, this trip has been
Amidst mounting challenges during his presidency, Donald Trump faces significant scrutiny following allegations of disclosing classified intelligence to Russian officials and the controversial firing of FBI Director James Comey In response, a successful international trip could help alleviate domestic tensions During his address at the Arab Islamic American Summit, Trump emphasized the importance of forming strong partnerships and called on nations, organizations, and individuals to unite against extremism and terrorism, aiming to foster peace, security, and prosperity globally He highlighted the devastating impact of violence on innocent victims, particularly in Arab, Muslim, and Middle Eastern communities, and urged summit participants to collaborate on strategies to combat these threats, promoting a shared vision for a safer world.
Structure of the study
A brief introduction of the study includes the rationale, significance, scope, methodology, the objectives of the study with two research questions and background of the data
The Development part comprises three chapters:
Chapter 1 named “ Literature Review‖ provides the development process of critical discourse analysis and important features of its theory as well
Chapter 2 entitled “Methodology‖ shows clearly the analytical framework of the study I employ Fairclough‘s approach and Systemic Functional Grammar of Halliday to analyze the speech
Chapter 3 labeled “Findings and Discussion” discusses the ideologies of Donald Trump hidden in the speech, the linguistic strategies he uses as well as the link between language , power and ideology in the speech
The conclusion part is to summarize the findings after analyzing the data, make conclusion of the study and give suggestions for the further study
DEVELOPMENT
This chapter aims to establish a solid foundation for analysis by offering a literature review that encompasses an overview of discourse, critical discourse analysis, and the concepts of power and ideology, while also examining previous research This section is crucial as it serves as the framework for the entire study.
Before delving into critical discourse analysis, it is essential to clarify the data being analyzed, as definitions of "discourse" vary widely This article will specifically examine "political discourse," as it is pertinent to the study at hand.
Discourse is defined as language that is intertwined with social processes, highlighting its connections with various social elements According to Fairclough in "Language and Power," discourse functions as a form of social practice It encompasses a broad range of language units, including speech and written expressions, that communicate messages and facilitate interactions within society Consequently, discourse analysis involves examining the interactions between writers or producers and their audiences, considering the social context in which these exchanges occur.
LITERATURE REVIEW
Definition of key terms
Before delving into critical discourse analysis, it is essential to clarify the data being analyzed, as definitions of "discourse" vary widely This article will then concentrate on "political discourse," given its relevance to the study at hand.
Discourse refers to language understood as part of the social process, interconnected with various elements of society According to Fairclough in "Language and Power," discourse is viewed as social practice, encompassing any unit of language, speech, or expression of thoughts within a text It includes materials that convey messages and interactions among individuals and society Consequently, discourse analysis involves examining these interactions within their context, focusing on the dynamics between writers or producers and their audiences, while considering the broader social context.
According to Wikipedia, political discourse analysis is a field of discourse analysis which focuses on discourse in political forums (such as debates, speeches, and hearing) as the phenomenon of interest
According to Van Dijk (1998), Political Discourse Analysis (PDA) emphasizes the examination of political discourse, particularly in the context of critical-political discourse analysis, which investigates how political power is reproduced, abused, or dominated through language.
According to both Fairclough‘s (1995) and Van Dijk‘s (1993), such an analysis deals with the discursive conditions and consequences of social and political inequality that result from such domination
As such, in political discourse, the content concentrates on political aspect, therefore, bias usually exists and may have negative or positive impacts on the thinking of the hearer
Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) evolved from Critical Linguistics (CL), which originated in the late 1970s at the University of East Anglia, led by scholars such as Fowler and Kress These scholars posited that texts conceal the writers' ideologies, aiming to reveal how these ideologies are interpreted by both producers and audiences CDA gained prominence with the publication of "Language and Control," becoming a widely utilized framework among linguists and scholars While interpretations of CDA vary among experts, this study will focus on the perspectives of notable figures in the field.
According to Van Dijk (1998), Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) bridges textual language analysis with social practice, emphasizing the influence of social structures on discourse and uncovering the latent power dynamics within language The speaker's power is conveyed through language, which operates within cultural, social, and psychological contexts, highlighting that language users are not isolated The term "critical" in CDA does not imply mere judgment; rather, it signifies an exploration of the connections between textual structures and their societal functions As Nguyen Hoa (2006) notes, "critical" also reflects the analyst's perspective and their aspiration to drive social change by revealing the underlying social relationships within discourse.
Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) seeks to clarify the complex relationships between textual structure and social functions in discourse, which are often opaque According to Fairclough (1993), CDA systematically investigates the causal connections between discursive practices, events, texts, and broader social and cultural structures It examines how these elements are influenced by power dynamics and ideological struggles, while also exploring how the obscurity of these relationships reinforces power and hegemony.
Fairclough and Wodak (1997: 271-280) summarize the main tenets of CDA as follows:
3 Discourse constitutes society and culture
6 The link between text and society is mediated
7 Discourse analysis is interpretive and explanatory
8 Discourse is a form of social action
Van Dijk (2008) states that CDA should always include all dimensions of:
―…Discourse, Cognition and Society – and when possible also a Historical and
Wodak emphasizes that power and ideology are essential components of Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA), highlighting the need to incorporate key terms into this analytical framework To effectively conduct a CDA, it is crucial to examine these fundamental elements.
Language derives its power not inherently, but through the ways it is wielded by influential individuals, as noted by Wodak (Wodak and Meyer, 2001: 10) This relationship between language and power is crucial in Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA), which emphasizes social change and connects the concept of power closely with dominance Van Dijk defines dominance as the exercise of social power by elites, institutions, or groups that leads to various forms of social inequality, including political, cultural, class, ethnic, racial, and gender disparities.
1993: 249f) So, according to Van Dijk, power involves control by groups or institutions These groups may constrain or limit the freedom of other groups by
11 powerful actions And to enforcing action, they use language with choice to convey action as well as commands to others Therefore, language and power has an intertwined relation
Language plays a significant role in expressing and shaping social power It serves not only as a medium for conveying power but also as a tool for its presentation Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) focuses on the ways language constructs and reinforces power dynamics within texts.
For CDA, ideology is almost the essential concept in the study Critical linguists provide a neutral interpretation of ideology in the research of CDA
Fairclough (1992) defines ―ideology‖ as ―significations generated within power relations as a dimension of the exercise of power and struggle over power‖ Fowler
(1991) defines it as ―the sum of the ways in which people think, say and interact with the society"
Fairclough and Wodak, however, take another approach when defining ideology:
Ideologies serve as frameworks for representing and shaping society, often perpetuating unequal power dynamics, domination, and exploitation According to Fairclough and Wodak, ideologies function as instruments of domination, reinforcing existing power structures.
According to Van Dijk (1998), ideologies encompass the shared knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs of members within groups or social collectives, serving as foundational systems for their socio-political cognitions He emphasizes that ideologies consist of social norms and values inherent in the group's culture, strategically chosen to enhance the achievement of their goals Furthermore, the cognitive functions of ideologies are crucial, as they organize, monitor, and regulate specific group attitudes, potentially exerting control over them as well.
12 development, structure and application of socio-cultural knowledge
Ideology shapes societal construction by influencing language and discourse, making language a powerful tool for expressing and interpreting these ideologies.
The review of previous researches
Critical discourse analysis (CDA) has seen limited research specifically on presidential speeches, with Junling Wang's 2010 study on Barack Obama's speeches being a notable exception Utilizing Fairclough's theoretical framework and Systematic Functional Linguistics (SFL), Wang analyzed Obama's speeches through the lenses of transitivity and modality The findings revealed that Obama favored simple language and short sentences, predominantly employing material processes to highlight government achievements and future actions Additionally, modality was examined to reflect the speaker's attitudes towards the truth of propositions While both Wang's study and the current research share the frameworks of Fairclough and Halliday, they differ in focus; Wang's analysis centers on Obama, whereas this study examines Donald Trump's speeches.
The study titled "A Critical Discourse Analysis of Obama's Speech on Bin Laden's Death" focuses on grammatical features and reveals several key findings Firstly, the frequent use of the pronoun "WE" effectively bridged the gap between Obama and his audience Secondly, the analysis of transitivity shows that material processes, which indicate action, were predominantly utilized in his speech Lastly, the modality present in the speech reflects the speaker's attitude, facilitating better understanding and acceptance of his political messages by the audience.
A study by Fawwaz Al-Haq and Nazek Al-Sleibi (2015) aimed to identify the key linguistic strategies employed by King Abdullah II in his speeches Analyzing three selected speeches through the lens of Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA), the researchers focused on four persuasive strategies: creativity, reference, circumlocution, and intertextuality The findings revealed that King Abdullah II effectively uses these strategies to convey his messages Additionally, the researchers recommended exploring other political discourse analysis strategies, such as indirectness, euphemism, and disclaimers, for a more comprehensive understanding of his speeches.
Additionally, a recent study conducted by Teresa Autida-van der Zee (2013), entitled―A critical discourse analysis of the speeches of President Benigno S
The analysis of Aquino III's speeches, focusing on Halliday's transitivity and modality meta-functions, reveals that the overall structure employs linguistic units that convey the speaker's determination, willingness, and intention The discourse features related to transitivity and modality effectively reflect the attitudes and opinions expressed throughout the sentences.
Previous studies have successfully achieved their objectives, demonstrating the effectiveness of Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) in uncovering the intentions behind authors' or speakers' texts However, these studies have primarily concentrated on limited linguistic aspects This research aims to expand on that by analyzing the linguistic units in President Donald Trump's address to better understand his conveyed ideas.
METHODOLOGY
This research utilizes Fairclough's three-dimensional framework to analyze text through description, interpretation, and explanation The first two stages employ Halliday's systemic-functional grammar to examine linguistic choices, while the third stage connects the text to its social context An overview of these theories is essential for understanding the analysis.
Data, as mentioned in the previous part, is the address delivered by President Trump in the Arab Islamic American Summit and is retrieved from the website:
This paper employs Fairclough's analytical framework and Halliday's systemic functional grammar as effective tools for analyzing the address, offering a detailed exploration of these two theories.
Fairclough is considered to have contributed to the field of CDA most significantly
Norman Fairclough was the pioneer in establishing a theoretical framework that guides Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) research His comprehensive three-dimensional framework emphasizes that discourse is influenced by social conditions, which include both the social conditions of production and interpretation This model is foundational for understanding the interplay between discourse and social contexts, making it a key choice for this study (Fairclough, 2015).
Language functions as both discourse and social practice, where discourse is examined through the interplay of texts, processes, and their social contexts This analysis focuses on three key dimensions: text, which refers to the formal properties of the text; interaction, which explores the relationship between text and interaction; and context, which addresses the social factors influencing the production and interpretation of texts and their societal impacts These dimensions are clarified through the three stages of Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA): description, interpretation, and explanation.
We can see this following figure:
Social conditions of production Process of production
Social conditions of interpretation Context
Figure1 Discourse as text, interaction and context (Fairclough,2015:58) 2.2.1.1 Description
According to Fairclough (2015), the description stage focuses on the formal properties of text, which includes a linguistic analysis of vocabulary, grammar, semantics, the sound system, and cohesion beyond the sentence level (Fairclough, 1995b) This stage emphasizes the selection of specific words in vocabulary and examines grammatical structures to understand text organization and meaning.
16 grammatical features, which has a close relation with Halliday's systemic-functional grammar whereas the textual structures part concerns the whole structures of the discourse
Fairclough gives ten main questions in this stage:
1 What experiential values do words have?
- What classification schemes are drawn upon?
- Are there words which are ideologically contested?
- Is there rewording or overwording?
- 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?
- Are there important features of expressive modality?
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 the text?
9 What interactional convention are used?
- Are there ways in which one participant controls the turns of others?
10 What larger scale structures does the text have?
In this stage, it is essential to identify the relationship between text and interaction Fairclough (2015) emphasizes that interpretation involves understanding how text is produced and utilized in the interpretative process Consequently, both the producer and consumer's roles are encoded through the text as a tool The analytical focus here is on discourse practice, which encompasses institutional processes, such as editorial procedures, and various discourse processes.
(changes the text go through in production and consumption) Discourse processes, however, can be best explained through discussing a core concept in his approach: intertextuality
Inter-textual analysis examines the intersection of text and discourse practice within an analytical framework This approach involves analyzing texts through the lens of discourse practices, revealing the influences and traces of these practices embedded within the text.
Discourse encompasses both linguistic elements and discursive practices, highlighting the importance of understanding how individuals create and interpret new forms of discourse during the interpretive stage.
Fairclough (2015) emphasizes that explanation involves examining how interaction and social context influence the production and interpretation of discourse, along with their social consequences This stage of analysis highlights the impact of social and cultural contexts on discourse.
This stage emphasizes two key dimensions: the social effects of discourse and the social determinants of discourse These dimensions are explored through three levels of social organizations: societal, institutional, and situational.
This study utilizes Fairclough's analytical framework, which encompasses three stages: description, interpretation, and explanation, as the most appropriate approach Furthermore, it incorporates Halliday's Systemic Functional Grammar (SFG) in the subsequent analysis.
2.2.2 Systemic Functional Grammar (SFG) and its roles in CDA
M.A.K Halliday‘s Systemic Functional Grammar is usually considered the main foundation of Fairclough‘s Critical Discourse Analysis as well as other theories in pragmatics Systemic Grammar and Functional Grammar are two main parts in this framework Hu Zhuanglin (1988:307) stated: ―Systemic grammar aims to explain the internal relations in language as a system network, or meaning potential And this network consists of subsystems from which language users make choices Functional grammar aims to reveal that language is a means of social interaction, based on the position that language system and the forms that make it up are inescapably determined by the uses or functions which they serve‖
Halliday's approach to stylistic analysis consists of three sequential phases: Analysis, Interpretation, and Evaluation This method allows for a wide range of practical applications, which can be distilled into a series of highly coded and abstract functions.
19 meta-functions, which are inherent in every language His idea of meta-function includes the ideational function, the interpersonal function and the textual function
The ideational function pertains to the natural world that shapes our understanding and ability to absorb knowledge Essentially, this function serves to deliver new information and communicate messages to the listener It is primarily illustrated through the transitivity system in grammar.
The clause serves as the fundamental grammatical unit in this system, conveying actions, feelings, and states (Cheng Yumin, 2007) The transitivity system encompasses six distinct processes: material, mental, relational, behavioral, verbal, and existential processes.
FINDINGS AND DISCUSSION
This chapter critically analyzes President Donald Trump's address through Fairclough's framework, focusing on language strategies, underlying ideologies, and the interplay of language, power, and ideology The analysis is structured around three stages: description, interpretation, and explanation, utilizing Halliday's systemic functional grammar to support the findings Additionally, it explores the connections between texts, interactions, and contexts, as illustrated in Figure 1.
3.1.1 The structure of the text
In analyzing President Donald Trump's speech, I will focus on the thematic structure he employs to identify his key themes and ideologies This approach will help answer the research question regarding the central ideas that shape Trump's rhetoric and messaging.
I analyzed the content of the speech (See appendix 2 Content Analysis).President
Trump‘s speech includes three main themes as following:
1 Maintaining and advancing the relationships, security, culture and commerce
2 Bringing about benefits: peace, security, and prosperity in the region and in the world
3 Calling up fighting extremism and terrorism
In his inaugural foreign visit, President Trump aimed to communicate a message of friendship and hope, clearly articulating his intentions He stated, “I stand before you as a representative of the American People, to deliver a message of friendship and hope,” effectively capturing the audience's attention from the outset Through this trip, Trump sought to strengthen and enhance international relationships.
In his speech at the summit, President Trump expressed heartfelt gratitude to the host, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and its leaders, highlighting the significance of diplomatic relations established by King Salman's father He emphasized his mission to promote peace, security, and prosperity, aiming to engage the audience with the purpose of his visit.
―Our vision is one of peace, security, and prosperity—in this region, and in the world.‖(line 28-29)
Donald Trump emphasizes the importance of combating extremism and terrorism, recognizing that to inspire others to follow his lead, both he and America must take proactive measures He believes that America is poised for this crucial campaign and is ready to motivate others to join in the fight against these pressing issues.
In just a few months, we have generated nearly one million new jobs and created over three trillion dollars in added value We have alleviated burdens on American industries and made unprecedented investments in our military to ensure the safety of our citizens and strengthen the security of our valued friends and allies.
―Yesterday, we signed historic agreements with the Kingdom that will invest almost $400 billion in our two countries and create many thousands of jobs in America and Saudi Arabia.‖(line 46-48)
The Global Center for Combating Extremist Ideology has been established, with significant agreements signed between the United States and Saudi Arabia as key partners President Donald Trump has affirmed America's commitment to this initiative, emphasizing a strategic approach to countering extremist ideologies.
The United States is committed to combating terrorism, violence, and extremism by strengthening its economic, military, and human resources America is ready to support other nations in this fight against barbarism, emphasizing the importance of partnership founded on shared interests and values for a better future To achieve effective results, it is crucial for all countries to unite and pursue a common goal.
Unity is essential as we strive towards a singular, overarching goal: to confront history's significant challenge of overcoming extremism and defeating terrorism.
The Middle Eastern nations and the United Arab Emirates are currently facing urgent challenges related to extremism and terrorism It is essential for everyone to recognize the significance of this situation, as highlighted by the President's compelling call to action.
Young Muslim boys and girls deserve to grow up in an environment free from fear and violence, fostering innocence and peace Additionally, young Muslim men and women should be afforded the opportunity to create a prosperous future for themselves and their communities.
Donald Trump emphasized the importance of human rights, asserting that every individual has the right to live in peace and pursue happiness He highlighted the tragic consequences of terrorism, referencing events such as September 11th and the Boston Bombing, which have inflicted unimaginable suffering, particularly on innocent victims, the majority of whom are Muslim By discussing the need for action against such barbaric acts, the President urges the global community to weigh the choices between peace and conflict, underscoring that no one desires violence.
To make his own argumentation stronger, Trump has demonstrated the developed potentials of the regions which are suffering the destruction of violence He has
At the summit, participants were urged to reflect on a crucial question: Why do these beautiful nations, rich in resources and potential for prosperity, continue to suffer from violence?
The Middle East boasts stunning natural landscapes, diverse cultures, and a wealth of historical treasures, positioning it as a potential global hub for commerce and opportunity Egypt, known for its rich history, was once a prominent center of knowledge and innovation thousands of years ago Meanwhile, the United Arab Emirates has achieved remarkable architectural feats, transforming its environment into breathtaking works of art crafted from glass and steel.
Recognizing the critical need for action against terrorism and extremism is essential for achieving peace, security, and prosperity both regionally and globally Emphasizing the importance of this fight, it is imperative to actively drive out these threats to ensure a safer future for all.