The concept of political talk is not as old or traditionally anchored in our Western societies as we might expect it to be. The very first political footprints to be found in the history of mankind, made of course by the Greek and Roman cultures of the Ancient Times, were only a mere indication of the vast potential of the spoken word next to religious use. The law, political debate and inspiring speeches had evolved. But only since the total detachment from despotic rulers, egoistical monarchs and ruthless dictators are people really able to speak freely.
The most decisive detachment in history is documented in the Declaration of Independence of July 4th 1776, when the thirteen North American colonies formed their own government apart from the British Empire. Ever since then, the oldest democracy in the world has been through many domestic and global changes. And with these changes also came the change in political talk. The messages and intentions of the political speakers had to adapt to the ever changing environments, the not foreseen challenges and the unknown circumstances surrounding them.
Especially the modern world of technology has altered the entire concept of speaking to the people and leading the nation. Instead of just having to address the Representatives of the Congress as perhaps George Washington had done, Presidents such as James Garfield or Dwight Eisenhower had the privilege of speaking to hundreds and later millions of their fellow-citizens, due to the invention of the telephone, radio and the television.
And since this kind of availability has constantly progressed, the politicians are now more than ever present in our daily lives. The Internet has taken care of that. And exactly this kind of technological comfort can be used as an excellent tool. Political debates and speeches on television have proven their value to the average and also undecided voter. But no politician can convey his or her message via radio or television without outstanding verbal abilities. Being able to influence the average American viewer simply by appearing on television is not enough.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- A. Different ways and styles of following and also manipulating the political perception of the American people
- B. Analysis of political rhetoric: From a newly independent nation to the mission of democratizing the world
- 1. The use of pronominals in political speech
- 1.1 A nation getting underway: G. Washington, J. Adams, Th. Jefferson
- 1.2 A nation divided: J. Davis, A. Lincoln
- 1.3 In a world at war: W. Wilson, F. D. Roosevelt
- 1.4 A pure glimpse of hope: J. F. Kennedy
- 1.5 The face of the modern world: W.J. Clinton, G.W. Bush
- 2. Different types of metaphorical phrases taken from the various speaking arrangements of the reviewed Presidents
- C. Conclusion: Replacing the elite 'You' with the global 'We'
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This work explores the evolution of political rhetoric in the United States, specifically examining the use of pronominals and metaphors employed by various presidents throughout history. The analysis aims to uncover how these linguistic tools have shaped the political perception of the American people and how they have adapted to the changing political landscape.
- The evolving role of pronominals in presidential speeches
- The significance of metaphors in conveying political messages
- The relationship between political discourse and national identity
- The impact of technological advancements on political rhetoric
- The development of a global political narrative
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
The first chapter delves into the concept of political talk, tracing its origins and evolution from ancient times to the modern era. It emphasizes the significance of free speech and the impact of technological advancements on the communication between politicians and the public. The chapter then introduces the key linguistic elements - pronominals and metaphors - which are crucial for understanding political rhetoric.
Chapter B examines the use of pronominals in the speeches of various American presidents, analyzing their choices and motivations. It covers presidents from different periods, highlighting the changing language and rhetorical strategies in response to major historical events like the Civil War, World Wars, and the Cold War. The chapter discusses the evolution of the relationship between presidents and the American people, focusing on the shift from an exclusive "you" to an inclusive "we." This chapter ends without analyzing the speech patterns of the presidents from the last half of the twentieth century.
The text doesn't include summaries of the conclusion or the chapter on metaphorical phrases, to avoid revealing any major conclusions or spoilers.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
The key focus of this work is on political rhetoric, specifically the use of pronominals and metaphors in American presidential speeches. It delves into the historical evolution of political discourse and the role of language in shaping political perception and national identity. The text examines the impact of technological advancements on communication and explores the transition from an exclusive "you" to an inclusive "we" in political discourse.
- Quote paper
- Jerry Paramo (Author), 2005, Comparing the Use of Pronominals and Metaphors of Various American Presidents, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/301310
