INTRODUCTION
Rationale
In today's rapidly changing world, the importance of mastering languages has grown significantly, allowing individuals to engage with global news in politics, society, and business The rise of mass media and information technology has facilitated communication and connection among people Language is essential for both verbal and non-verbal communication, encompassing gestures, body language, and tone of voice Additionally, it serves as a powerful tool for expressing thoughts and emotions, as well as influencing others through ideology Linguists explore these dynamics in the field of Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA), revealing the intricate relationship between language and its impact on society.
Exploring new facets of language often presents challenges in interpretation across various levels, including phonology, syntax, lexicon, and discourse Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA), developed by Roger Fowler and Gunther Kress in the late 1970s and early 1980s, offers an interdisciplinary approach that views language as a social practice According to Fairclough (2001), CDA encompasses the study of diverse forms of discourse—such as written texts, speech, gestures, and advertisements—that systematically communicate messages This analysis reveals the ideologies of writers and speakers, allowing researchers to scrutinize different discourse types, particularly in political contexts CDA highlights the interplay between language and power, providing a theoretical framework for political text analysis By examining grammar and vocabulary in political speeches, CDA illustrates how lexical choices enhance writer-reader interaction, while also analyzing the experiential, relational, and expressive values 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, Nhu's (2016) analysis of educational journal articles in both English and Vietnamese, and Duong's (2018) investigation of speeches by Margaret Thatcher and Theresa May While many scholars have concentrated on the linguistic features of political discourse, an intriguing area for further exploration is the language used by the current President of the United States, Donald Trump.
Critical thinking is a vital component of educational development, and Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) plays a crucial role in language teaching and learning Recognizing the significance of CDA, I have chosen to conduct a study titled “A Critical Discourse Analysis of President Trump’s…”
This study explores Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) in President Trump's speeches at the United Nations General Assembly, aiming to enhance understanding of CDA within the political context for language learners The findings are intended to be valuable for both language teachers and learners, facilitating the application of CDA in English teaching and learning.
Aims & Objectives
This research investigates the grammatical aspects of President Donald Trump's speeches through the lens of Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) It aims to enhance English learners' understanding of CDA in political discourse while highlighting the experiential values of grammatical features in Trump's rhetoric The study specifically examines the use of nominalization, as well as active and passive constructions, along with positive and negative sentence structures in his addresses at 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 the critical discourse analysis (CDA) of three speeches delivered by President Trump at the United Nations General Assembly, highlighting their functions It emphasizes a grammatical analysis of political speeches through the lens of CDA, providing a textual description of the language used.
This study employs Fairclough's framework to analyze the experiential values of grammatical features in President Donald Trump's speeches at the United Nations General Assembly It focuses on identifying nominalization, as well as the use of active and passive constructions, alongside positive and negative sentence structures The research is limited to the description stage, as the subsequent interpretation and explanation stages involve different analytical processes, with description centered on labeling formal text features.
Significance of the Study
Political discourse is a key focus in the field of Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) This research contributes significantly to the study of discourse analysis and serves as a foundation for future investigations into speech analysis within the context of CDA.
This study aims to enhance the learning experience of English learners, particularly in the context of political speeches It reveals the effectiveness of language in conveying ideas and shaping perceptions in education and society Additionally, the findings will equip learners with unique styles and essential strategies for utilizing language effectively 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 consists of two sections: a Literature Review and a Theoretical Background The Literature Review examines pertinent research related to the study's topic, while the Theoretical Background outlines essential concepts, particularly those pertaining to Critical Discourse Analysis Additionally, previous studies in the research area are summarized to highlight existing gaps, thereby establishing the foundation for this study.
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 encompasses both verbal and written communication, playing a crucial role in the analysis of various texts Numerous linguists have studied discourse, leading to a multitude of definitions and interpretations.
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 extends beyond mere language, encompassing non-linguistic phenomena and reflecting 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 both society and individuals.
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 that intersect multiple disciplines, including sociolinguistics, psycholinguistics, philosophical linguistics, and computational linguistics They define discourse analysis as the examination of language in its 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 that focuses on language in use, aiming to understand how language forms facilitate communication It examines the context of situations and the meanings or intentions behind linguistic expressions Additionally, it identifies the linguistic characteristics of various genres, which are essential for their recognition and interpretation, while also considering the cultural and social aspects that aid comprehension Scholars agree that discourse analysis is fundamentally the study of language in use, extending beyond sentence boundaries.
In his book "An Introduction to Discourse Analysis," Nguyen Hoa (2000) emphasizes that discourse analysis examines the ways language is utilized within specific situational contexts and the linguistic tools employed to achieve various communicative goals.
This study defines discourse as a form of language that serves as a meaningful, unified, and purposeful tool for communication Discourse analysis has gained popularity as a crucial area of language study, exploring not only the language itself but also its connections to society, culture, and thought It is applied across various disciplines, including linguistics, sociolinguistics, and psycholinguistics, to describe and analyze linguistic activities.
Critical discourse analysis (CDA) is a powerful methodology that facilitates a thorough evaluation of the meanings conveyed through language The diverse terminology within CDA reflects the numerous influences that have shaped its development As a result, various researchers and scholars have offered multiple definitions of CDA, highlighting its complexity and the richness of its study.
In 1985, in his book “Handbook of Discourse Analysis”, Van Dijk wrote:
Critical discourse analysis (CDA) examines the interplay between social power, dominance, and political contexts, focusing on how these elements contribute to social inequality By adopting a critical stance, CDA aims to uncover and challenge instances of power abuse, thereby fostering awareness and resistance against societal 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 examines the complex relationships between discursive practices, events, texts, and broader social and cultural structures It investigates how these elements are influenced by power dynamics and ideological struggles, revealing the ways in which they are interrelated Additionally, this analysis highlights how the obscurity of these connections 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 value systems and beliefs While language itself lacks inherent power, it becomes a powerful tool in the hands of those who wield authority.
- CDA not only reveals its value and meaning, but also analyzes and finds out if how language was used
Fairclough's theory is a central approach in Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA), underpinned by Halliday's systemic functional grammar (SFG) This linguistic framework emphasizes the functional aspects of language, analyzing its use through the interplay of form and interaction SFG theorists propose that every communication can be interpreted on three levels: textual, interpersonal, and within a broader societal context (Rogers et al., 2005).
Fairclough's three-dimensional model for Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) encompasses three interconnected processes: text, discourse practice, and sociocultural practice The first dimension, text, involves the formal properties of the text itself, while discourse practice focuses on the relationship between the text and its interaction Lastly, sociocultural practice examines the social determinants influencing the production and interpretation of discourse, along with their broader social effects (Rogers et al., 2005).
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's (1989) analysis is grounded in three key elements: description, interpretation, and explanation It involves detailing the linguistic characteristics of texts, interpreting the interplay between discursive practices and the texts produced, and examining the connection between discursive practices and broader social practices (Fairclough, 1995).
Description focuses on the formal properties of text, as outlined by Fairclough (2001), who presents ten key questions and their sub-questions related to these properties These inquiries are categorized into three core values: experiential, relational, and expressive.
Experiential value relates to the worldview of the discourse producer, while relational value pertains to the social connections established between the text producer and the participants Additionally, expressive value reflects the text producer's evaluation of the topic being discussed Below are ten sub-questions that further explore 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 notable contributions from prominent linguists such as Fairclough, Roger, and Gee Key figures like Kress & Hodge (1979), Rogers et al (2005), and Van Dijk (1985) have also played a crucial role in shaping the field Their works have effectively elucidated the fundamental assumptions, principles, and methodologies associated with CDA, highlighting its importance in understanding language and discourse.
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 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 utilized Fairclough's (2001) Critical Discourse Analysis framework and Halliday's (1994) Systemic Functional Grammar The study revealed that abstracts of education journal articles in both English and Vietnamese share similarities in experiential, relational, and textual values Additionally, it identified differences in modes of use, prioritized topics, and lexical strategies employed to convey experiential meaning.
In her 2016 master's 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 contexts of English online game advertisements The quantitative approach focused on summarizing linguistic aspects during the advertisement description phase, while the qualitative method explored how these linguistic features convey power, ideology, and persuasiveness Utilizing Fairclough's (2001) Critical Discourse Analysis framework, Hanh's study revealed that advertisers strategically use linguistic elements to assert power and ideology, significantly influencing and manipulating customer perceptions and behaviors.
The thesis by Duong (2018), titled “A Critical Discourse Analysis of the Speeches of Margaret Thatcher and Theresa May,” examines political speeches through the lens of critical discourse analysis (CDA) Utilizing both quantitative and qualitative methods, the research investigates the interplay of language, power, and ideology as reflected in the speeches of these two prominent political figures.
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 issues of authority, resource allocation, and decision-making, while also conveying social significance Additionally, it serves as a platform for commenting on matters of public interest.
Political speech encompasses a broad range of topics, including taxes, global events, immigration, healthcare, race, religion, abortion, and political candidates This form of communication is prevalent across various media platforms, such as speeches and newspapers.
Political speech plays a crucial role in shaping discussions on significant issues, involving presidents, politicians, protestors, talk show hosts, and editorial writers This form of communication can be profoundly impactful, eloquent, and respectful, as demonstrated by notable 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 literature review and theoretical background for the research, focusing on Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) and Fairclough’s frameworks It also discusses the impact of systemic functional grammar on CDA and outlines relevant processes Additionally, previous studies related to CDA conducted by various researchers are reviewed, highlighting the breadth of scholarship in this area.
In summary, the concepts discussed in this chapter will provide the theoretical foundation for analyzing English political speeches in Chapter 4 The following chapter will outline the methodology used for this study.
RESEARCH METHODS
Research methods
This study employs Fairclough’s analytical framework, which encompasses three key steps of critical discourse analysis: description (text analysis), interpretation (processing analysis), and explanation (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 by reviewing relevant theories Additionally, examining previous research and studies allows for a comprehensive overview of the existing literature in the 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) Key grammatical elements examined included nominalizations, as well as the use of active and passive voice, alongside positive and negative sentence structures.
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 employs 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 highlights the use of nominalizations, active and passive sentences, and positive and negative constructions in Trump's speeches delivered at the United Nations General Assembly.
The analysis of President Trump's speeches at the United Nations General Assembly was summarized using frequencies and percentages, presented in tables, and accompanied by illustrative examples.
Reliability and validity
This study utilized data sourced from a highly reputable website representing the Government of the United States, ensuring authenticity and accuracy The reliability of the language in the collected data reinforces the validity of this research, making it credible that all information is trustworthy and accessible.
This research utilized Fairclough's framework, grounded in the Systematic Functional Grammar Approach, and employed various methods to achieve its objectives.
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) emphasizes that the experiential aspects of grammar relate to how grammatical structures in a language represent events and the connections between entities—be they people, animals, or objects—within those events This includes their spatial and temporal contexts, as well as the manner in which these occurrences unfold.
The experiential values of grammar focus on the grammatical structures that compose language, including sentences and ideologies To better understand how these grammatical elements uphold experiential values, it is essential to examine transitivity (process and participant), voice (active and passive), and nominalization.
Transitivity generally refers to how meaning is represented in the clause
Transitivity plays a crucial role in illustrating how speakers encode their mental representations of reality and interpret their experiences It is linked 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 features can carry ideological significance In my research, I identified 792 clauses, including embedded ones, which formed the basis for a detailed transitivity analysis.
Transitivity
In English, there are six distinct types of processes, categorized into three major types: material, mental, and relational, each with specific subtypes Additionally, there are three other types of processes: behavioral, verbal, and existential.
Halliday (1994) emphasizes that process types serve as a crucial tool for conveying experimental meaning By representing reality, these processes enhance the reliability and persuasiveness of speakers' arguments.
A process comprises three essential components: the Process itself, Participants, and the Circumstances surrounding it Participants can be individuals, objects, or concepts, while the Process encompasses physical, mental, and verbal activities or states The Conditions or Circumstances refer to the context in which these activities take place The specific nature of the process dictates the type and number of participants involved.
The material process, often referred to as the process of doing or physical action, is characterized by verbs that denote real actions This process typically involves two primary participants: the Actor, who performs the action, and the Goal, which receives the action, representing the subject and object, respectively Additionally, the material process may include other participants such as the Beneficiary and Range, further enriching the interaction within 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 speeches
Here are some examples in the remarks by President Trump to the 72 nd Session of the United Nations General Assembly:
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 company Actor Process material Range
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 providing 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 mental activities such as assuming, believing, concluding, and discovering Affection encompasses emotional responses, including enjoyment, love, fear, and preference.
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 of government Sensor Process mental Phenomenon
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 believe strongly in energy security for ourselves and for our allies Sensor Process mental Phenomenon
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 in communication often reflects subjective evaluations and opinions, playing a significant role in political speeches This approach enables politicians to convey their attitudes and perspectives effectively, shaping public perception and discourse.
The relational process, often referred to as the process of being and having, is a commonly employed technique in political speeches It represents 20.83% of the total processes analyzed, with 165 instances recorded, making it the second most frequently used type after other categories.
The relational process involves attributing characteristics 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 agendas, employing the roles of Carrier and Attribute to represent truths in their speeches.
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
74 th Session of the United Nations General Assembly:
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, relationships play a crucial role in shaping the effectiveness and value of the speech, which aims to educate and inform the audience The relational process emphasizes key information and critical issues that demand 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 accounts for just 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: (4.91)
We face this decision not only in North Korea Behaver Process behavioral Range
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 Session of the United Nations General Assembly:
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 Venezuela
Sayer Process verbal Receiver Location
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 speech, the use of the verbal process is less common, yet it plays a significant role This process involves subjects who translate actions into words, utilizing terms such as talk, ask, represent, announce, and dictate to convey their messages effectively.
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, including material, relational, mental, behavioral, and verbal, utilized in these speeches However, it is important to note that the frequency of each process type varies significantly.
In political speeches, the term "material" is the most frequently used, appearing 482 times and constituting 60.86% of the total occurrences "Relational" follows with 165 instances, accounting for 20.83% The "mental" category has 98 occurrences, representing 12.37% In contrast, "behavioral" and "verbal" terms are used less frequently, with only 14 and 33 occurrences, making up 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: material processes, accounting for 60.86%, and relational processes, comprising 20.83% Mental processes make up 12.37%, while verbal and behavioral processes represent a minimal 5.94%, warranting limited discussion.
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 signaling them in a more indirect manner.
The pragmatic aspects of communication events reveal the speaker's intentions, perspectives, and emotions, particularly in political speeches These elements play a crucial role in shaping positive self-presentation and influencing audience perception regarding political issues.
A balanced use of active and passive sentences, as well as positive and negative constructions, is essential in political speeches This approach aligns with the goal of not only informing the audience but also persuading them effectively.
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 of President Trump's political speeches, only 104 out of 694 sentences, or 14.99%, were found to be in the passive voice This indicates that more than 85% of the sentences utilized active voice, highlighting a strong preference for direct and engaging language in his speeches.
Table 4 7 Distribution of Active/Passive sentences in three President Trump’s political speeches
The following are some examples of active sentences in three President Trump's political speeches at UNGA
“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 create a better future through international cooperation It embodies the belief that diverse nations can work together to safeguard their sovereignty, enhance their security, and foster 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 remarks that highlighted key political themes An analysis of his speeches reveals the distribution of active and passive sentences, illustrating his rhetorical style and communication strategy This examination provides insight into the effectiveness of his message delivery and engagement with the audience.
Figure 4.2 Distribution of Active/Passive sentences in three President Trump’s political speeches
Analysis of the data reveals that President Trump predominantly employs an active voice over passive constructions This choice likely reflects his belief that active sentences enhance clarity and comprehension for his audience For politicians, utilizing a high frequency of active clauses is crucial in reducing ambiguity and preventing misunderstandings.
Analysis of three of President Trump's political speeches revealed that only 69 out of 694 sentences were negative, representing less than 10% of the total In contrast, the majority of the sentences were positive, highlighting an overall optimistic tone in his speeches.
In an analysis of three political speeches by President Trump, it was found that there are 625 occurrences of positive sentences, representing over 90% of the total sentences The results indicate a significant predominance of positive messaging in his speeches, as illustrated by the distribution table of positive and negative sentences.
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 UN General Assembly, President Trump delivered remarks that highlighted key themes in his political discourse An analysis of his speeches reveals a notable distribution of positive and negative sentiments, illustrating the contrasting tones used throughout his addresses This ratio provides insight into his communication strategy and the overall impact of his rhetoric on global audiences.
Figure 4.3 Distribution of Positive/Negative sentences in three President
The analysis reveals that President Trump predominantly employs a positive tone in his speeches, as illustrated by the accompanying table and pie chart This tendency toward positivity enhances his ability to persuade listeners and convey valuable information, which is a crucial aspect of effective political communication.
The use of nominalizations
In addition to transitivity and voice usage, nominalization plays a crucial role in enhancing experiential value This process transforms verbs or phrases into nouns, enabling greater coherence in sentences By utilizing nominalization, speakers can effectively summarize information within concise phrases, improving clarity and communication.
In President Trump's three English political speeches, nominalizations occur 499 times, highlighting a linguistic trend where nouns are derived from verbs or adjectives This technique simplifies complex ideas by reducing the need for lengthy sentences with 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 identified in the speeches through the transformation of verbs or adjectives into nouns, including terms such as representative, appreciation, assistance, generations, dislocation, sovereignty, security, obligation, institutions, oppression, assassination, allies, denuclearization, resolution, construction, transactions, and embarrassment.
Nominalization is the transformation of verbs or adjectives into nouns, a technique frequently employed in political speech Politicians often convert verbs and adjectives into noun phrases to adopt a more formal tone in their addresses This stylistic choice enhances the sophistication of their communication, allowing for a more polished delivery.
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, along with the use of voice and nominalization These elements enable speakers to express their ideologies and attitudes toward their audience.
The material process is the predominant method utilized in three of President Trump's political speeches, followed by relational processes Additionally, mental processes and verbal processes are also present, while behavioral processes are employed to a lesser extent in these speeches.
Passive sentences are used infrequently, while active voice predominates, allowing for greater emphasis on the subjects involved Ultimately, mastering both active and passive voice enhances the ability to express the speaker's ideology effectively.
In three political speeches, President Trump frequently uses a more positive voice than the negative one that helps the speaker persuade the listener and provide them more useful information
The use of nominalization in speeches effectively shortens their length, allowing listeners to concentrate on key points Additionally, speakers can employ noun phrases in place of verbs or adjectives to establish a more formal tone in political discourse.
CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATION
Conclusion
This article examines three of President Trump's political speeches through the lens of Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA), employing descriptive, qualitative, and quantitative methods The data was meticulously collected, reviewed, and selected, followed by classification and analysis focused on the experiential values reflected in grammatical features.
This study focuses solely on the description stage of Fairclough's framework, critically analyzing three speeches to explore the linguistic features that reveal the connection between the speakers' ideologies, power dynamics, and language use It examines how grammatical features, such as nominalization and the use of active versus passive and positive versus negative sentences, contribute to the experiential values in President Donald Trump's speeches at the United Nations General Assembly The interpretation and explanation stages are excluded, as the nature of analysis varies 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, while verbal and behavioral processes are employed the least The predominant use of these processes facilitates the communication of experiential values and the relationships among participants within the discourse This research aims to enhance understanding of cultural practices associated with Systematic Functional Grammar.
To enhance unity, coherence, logic, and persuasion in political speeches, speakers must carefully choose their voice The use of active versus passive sentences, as well as positive and negative constructions, can significantly impact the audience's emotional response and foster empathy.
Utilizing nominalization effectively enhances the persuasiveness and utility of a thesis It is essential for speakers to adeptly convey their ideas and attitudes, achieving their communication objectives through careful word choice.
Implication
The study aims to apply its findings to real-world language learning and teaching, emphasizing the importance of Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) in linguistics and society CDA plays a crucial role in academic and political contexts, providing insights into discourse through various perspectives By enhancing critical thinking regarding publicly shared political information and decision-making, CDA contributes significantly to the development of analytical skills.
Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) plays a crucial role in language teaching and learning Analyzing three political speeches reveals the importance of understanding power relations, which is a key focus of the CDA approach Teachers should prioritize this aspect to enhance the educational experience.
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 teaching and learning dynamic, there are notable parallels between the roles of teachers and students and those of speakers and listeners Typically, teachers hold the power, leading to a passive role for students who are often swayed by the teacher's ideas This power imbalance can stifle student creativity, highlighting the need for teachers to exercise their authority thoughtfully during the educational process.
This research is valuable for upper-intermediate and advanced learners, as it enhances their understanding of critical discourse analysis (CDA) within this genre By mastering these features, learners can significantly improve their linguistic skills and overall language acquisition.
Limitations
Critical discourse analysis is a broad field that presents various research challenges This thesis specifically focuses on the fifth question in the description stage of Fairclough’s framework, examining the experiential values conveyed by grammatical features in political speeches It analyzes the use of nominalization, active and passive sentences, as well as positive and negative constructions within these speeches However, the interpretation and explanation stages are excluded from this study, as the nature of "analysis" varies significantly across different stages.
Research on political speech discourse from a Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) perspective has been limited, posing challenges for researchers in drawing convincing conclusions and developing an effective analytical framework for their data.
Due to the researcher's limited linguistic knowledge in the context of Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA), restricted reference materials, and the time constraints associated with a minor thesis, certain shortcomings are inherent in this study Consequently, the research did not achieve the anticipated depth, and the results may not be as satisfactory as desired I welcome constructive feedback from teachers, peers, and anyone interested in this thesis to enhance its credibility and usefulness.
Suggestions for further research
Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) serves as an effective tool for examining and comprehending language from a fresh perspective Recognized as a modern linguistic approach, CDA is highly beneficial for language learners and researchers alike, as it enhances their understanding of the intricate relationship between language and power.
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 welcomed world leaders and delegates to New York, expressing his honor to represent the American people on this global stage.
In the wake of the devastating hurricanes that have impacted our nation, I want to extend my gratitude to all the leaders present who have provided support and aid The strength and resilience of the American people will shine through as they navigate these challenges, emerging 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 level in 16 years Thanks to regulatory reforms, more Americans are employed than ever before, and companies are returning to the U.S., driving unprecedented job growth Additionally, a substantial investment of nearly $700 billion is set to be allocated for military and defense.
Our military will soon be the strongest it has ever been For more than
For 70 years, leaders from various nations, movements, and religions have gathered to address significant challenges and opportunities Today, I too will discuss the serious threats we face, while also highlighting the immense potential that lies ahead.
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 are confronted with alarming threats that jeopardize our values and safety Terrorists and extremists are gaining power and extending their reach globally Additionally, rogue regimes not only back these terrorist groups but also pose significant risks to both their own citizens and other nations 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 pivotal moment filled with both significant opportunities and serious challenges The choice is ours to either elevate the world to new heights or allow it to descend into neglect and decline.
We possess the ability to eradicate poverty for millions, empower our citizens to achieve their dreams, and guarantee that future generations grow up 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 is grounded in 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 key 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 success of the UN relies on the independent strength of its member nations.
To navigate today's challenges and realize future potential, we must draw on historical wisdom Our success relies on a coalition of strong, sovereign nations committed to fostering security, prosperity, and peace both domestically and globally.
While we recognize that diverse countries will have different cultures, traditions, and governmental systems, we believe that all nations must fulfill two fundamental sovereign responsibilities: respecting the interests of their own citizens and honoring the rights of other sovereign nations This vision embodies the essence of our institution and serves as the foundation for collaboration and success.
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, sovereign nations enable their citizens to shape their futures and determine their own paths These nations foster an environment where individuals can thrive and achieve the full potential of the life intended for them.
In the United States, we aim to showcase our way of life as a positive example rather than impose it on others This week, we take pride in celebrating the 230th anniversary of our cherished Constitution, the oldest constitution still in use globally.