Representation Of Vehemence In Speeches Of Political Party Leaders: A Critical Discourse Analysis

Abstract

The dissemination of desired political ideologies greatly benefits from political debates. People have been observing throughout history that while some have portrayed themselves negatively, humans have generally done the opposite. Therefore, vehemence as a rhetoric for the dehumanization of others has been a common element of political speech. Similar to this, the current study has critically examined the political speeches of Imran Khan, Shahbaz Sharif, and Asif[1] Ali Zardari. The data for present research was collected from the nine speeches of these politicians (three speeches of each). The time span ranges from October 2015 to 11^th November 2019 and the data was collected from News Media channel’s YouTube pages. Van Dijk sociocognitive model and Wodak's 2001 historical approach model are used in the current study to analyze the data. These models have been modified; the addition and removal of analytical categories found in the model and in the speeches of the cited politicians serves as justification for utilizing the modified model. Word, sentence, and discourse levels are among the analytic levels. The research's conclusions highlight the verbal sparring among politicians, who have all made an effort to project a favorable image of themselves at the expense of others. Adjectives with negative connotations have been employed to characterize the opposition. However, Mr. Khan has painted his opponents in his political discourse as thieves of the nation's wealth. Similar contradictions were noted in the political speeches of, Shahbaz Sharif and Asif Ali Zardari. The present research concludes that political discourse frequently uses vehement rhetoric. This is done on purpose and with ideological intent to discredit their opponents by projecting a positive picture of themselves and a negative reflection of others.