This study analyzed three selected speeches from candidates in the 2019 Presidential election in Malawi. The author discusses speeches by Saulos Chilima, Peter Mutharika and Lazarus Chakwera in order find out the discourse strategies that were used in the resepective political campaigns.
The study employes a qualitative research design in order to answer the research question. Further, it uses a critical discourse analysis to analyze how language was used in the political campaigns. The study discoveres that the three presidential candidates used several discourse strategies to win the votes of the people. Some of the discourse strategies employed include the use of collective and singular pronouns to position political actors differently on the focus of responsibility and unity and the excessive use of metaphors. Furthermore, presidential candidates also used evidence and authority to support their arguments in an effort to garner support from the electorates. Choice of words was used to exclude and discriminate others from the contest. It was also discovered that political actors used opaque language in their speeches to hide their agenda of winning consent from the people.
The author of this text is not a native English speaker. Please excuse any grammatical errors and other inconsistencies.
Table of Contents
1.0 Introduction to chapter
1.1 Background of study
1.2 Problem statement
1.3 Significance of the study
1.4 Main objective
1.4 Specific objective
1.5 Chapter summary
2.0 Introduction to chapter
2.1 Discourse and ideologies
2.1.2 Opaque language
2.2 Power and ideologies
2.3 Critical Discourse Analysis
2.3 The debate on discourse and ideologies in Malawi
2.4 Critical Discourse Analysis of speeches in America
2.5 Critical Discourse Analysis of speeches in Africa
2.6 Critical Discourse Analysis of speeches in Malawi
2.7 Theoretical framework
2.7.1 Critical Discourse Analysis theory
2.7.2 Empirical studies that used CDA theory
2.8 Chapter summary
3.0 Introduction to chapter
3.1 Research paradigm
3.2 Data collection method
3.2.1 Sample
3.3 Data analysis technique
3.3.1 Norman Fairclough’s three dimension model
3.4 Chapter summary
4.0 Introduction to chapter
4.1 Use of pronouns
4.1.1 Use of collective pronouns to present ideologies of positive self-representation (we/us)
4.1.2 Use of collective pronouns (they/them) to present negative ideologies
4.1.3 Use of singular pronouns to present personality profiling ideologies
4.2 Use of social exclusion and discrimination to present ideologies
4.3 Use of authority arguments to express ideologies
4.4 Use of metaphors to express ideologies
4.4.1 Use of metaphors of sports
4.4.2 Use of metaphors of religion
4.5 Use of evidence to express ideologies
4.6 Chapter summary
5.0 Introduction to chapter
5.1 Overview of findings
5.2 Discourse strategies
5.3 Discourse choice
5.4 Opaque language
5.5 Chapter summary
Objectives and Research Themes
This dissertation investigates the discourse strategies employed by presidential candidates in Malawi during the 2019 general election campaign to express ideologies and secure voter consent. The research aims to unfold how language is used as a pervasive tool to manipulate audience perception, construct in-groups and out-groups, and hide political agendas through specific linguistic choices.
- Analysis of collective and singular pronoun usage to shape ideological positioning.
- Examination of social exclusion and discrimination as strategies for delegitimizing political opponents.
- Investigation of the role of authority, evidence, and metaphors (sports/religion) in political persuasion.
- Interpretation of opaque language and its function in concealing political agendas from the electorate.
Excerpt from the Book
4.1 COLLECTIVE PRONOUNS AND IDEOLOGIES OF POSITIVE SELF-REPRESENTATION
It was observed that there was use of pronouns by all candidates in such a way that collective pronouns such as; we, us were used to represents a particular grouping. The use of “we” shows a sense of collective responsibility between the speaker and the audience. In political discourse ideology of positive self- representation presents actors in a positive manner. The strategy of using the collective pronouns is significant because it represents the speaker and the audience in the same context. In the extracts below 1 to 3 below, the study looks at collective pronouns that were used by Saulos Chilima as a strategy to present ideologies of positive self-representation.
1 “We are businessmen…..”
2. “We belong to the private sector….”
3. “We were asked by the people to stand for presidency…”
4. “We came to renew our readiness to govern Malawi again for the next 5 years...”
5. “We decided to focus on adequate policy matters that address the needs of Malawians. The DPP is a development cautious party. .”
Summary of Chapters
Chapter One: Introduction: This chapter establishes the context of the study, defining the problem statement regarding language use in Malawian politics and outlining the research objectives.
Chapter Two: Literature Review: This section reviews existing scholarly work on Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA), discourse strategies, and the theoretical framework of ideological construction in political rhetoric.
Chapter Three: Methodological Framework: The author details the qualitative research design and the application of Norman Fairclough’s three-dimensional model to analyze campaign speeches.
Chapter Four: Analysis and Findings: This chapter provides the core analysis of pronoun usage, exclusionary language, metaphors, and authority-based arguments found in the 2019 campaign speeches.
Chapter Five: Discussion and Conclusion: The final chapter synthesizes the findings, discusses the recurring discourse strategies, and evaluates the effectiveness of language as a tool for gaining political consent.
Keywords
Critical Discourse Analysis, Political Rhetoric, Malawi, Ideologies, Discourse Strategies, Pronouns, Metaphors, Power relations, Opaque Language, Social Exclusion, Campaign Speeches, Political Communication, Presidential Candidates, 2019 Elections, Persuasion
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this dissertation?
The research focuses on the discourse strategies used by Malawian presidential candidates in 2019 to express ideologies and garner support from the electorate through political speeches.
What are the primary thematic fields addressed in the study?
The study primarily explores political discourse, the expression of ideologies, power dynamics, and the linguistic manipulation used by politicians to influence the minds of voters.
What is the main research objective of the work?
The objective is to investigate how language was used in the 2019 political campaign speeches in Malawi, specifically identifying discourse strategies, language choices, and the interpretation of hidden meanings.
Which scientific method is utilized in this paper?
The study employs a qualitative research design, specifically using Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) guided by Norman Fairclough’s three-dimensional model (description, interpretation, and explanation).
What content is covered in the main body (Chapter 4)?
The main body analyzes the usage of collective and singular pronouns, metaphors of sports and religion, the application of authority, and the use of exclusionary and derogatory language against political opponents.
Which keywords characterize the essence of the work?
The work is characterized by terms such as Critical Discourse Analysis, political communication, ideologies, and rhetorical strategies in a multi-party democratic context.
How do candidates use pronouns to position themselves?
Candidates use collective pronouns like "we" to foster a sense of unity and shared responsibility with the audience, while using singular pronouns such as "I" and "my" to assert personal responsibility and highlight their individual commitment and leadership.
What role does "opaque language" play in political campaigns?
Opaque language is used as a deliberate strategy to conceal specific ideological agendas, making it harder for the audience to detect the underlying motives behind political rhetoric.
How does the study categorize metaphors used by candidates?
The study categorizes metaphors primarily into sports metaphors (such as "finals" and "knockout punch") and religious metaphors, which are used to establish common ground and create vivid imagery to persuade the electorate.
What does the author conclude about the use of exclusionary language?
The author concludes that exclusionary and derogatory language is a common practice in Malawian political discourse, intended to delegitimize opponents and separate them from the "in-group" of the speaker.
- Quote paper
- Hope Nyalinyali (Author), 2020, Malawi Presidential Election 2019. Discourse Analysis of the Candidates' Speeches, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1342148
