INTRODUCTION
Method of the study
The method used in this research is Fairclough‟s CDA dialectical-relational approach is to analyze for this study.
Scope of the study
This analysis focuses solely on the verbal elements of Donald Trump's speech and the social context surrounding it, acknowledging the limitations in time and scope that prevent a comprehensive examination of all features It highlights key points relevant to the study's objectives while intentionally excluding paralinguistic factors such as intonation, speed, and loudness, as well as extralinguistic elements like body language and facial expressions, despite their significance in conveying the speaker's ideology Additionally, this research is intended purely for academic purposes and does not aim to influence any political opinions or align with any particular party.
Significance of the study
The significance of this study lies in its demonstration of how Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) serves as a valuable analytical method, particularly in political discourse analysis By examining language characteristics, it reveals the speaker's power and highlights how linguistic elements can address social issues, thereby supporting CDA theories Furthermore, CDA enhances users' language awareness, deepens their understanding of political speeches, and fosters sensitivity to language use This approach also offers researchers innovative perspectives on language teaching and learning, emphasizing the development of critical thinking skills related to power dynamics in discourse.
Structure of the thesis
This research is organized into 5 chapters as briefly summarized below:
Chapter 1: Introduction this chapter introduce about rationale, aims, method, scope, significance and structure of the study
Chapter 2: Literature Review and Theoretical Background chapter two discusses CDA through discourse This chapter presents an overview of the definition CDA, and three mainly approaches of CDA, CDA concepts of ideology (discourse, power and ideology, and the function of ideology), and as social practice to orientate for the study
Furthermore, it summarizes some previous researches from CDA perspective to provide the thorough knowledge in CDA
Chapter 3: Research Methodology presents the data to be analyzed and the context in which it was constructed This study consists a textual analysis of the political speech launched by Donald Trump through the presidential inaugural address 2017 from inception to its denouement This chapter mentions the reasons to choose the topic and the context of the given address
Chapter 4: Findings and discussion is devoted to the analysis of the speech It seeks to answer the set of research questions that motivated this study and discussed the main findings The goal is to reveal the ways in which Donald Trump represents the social process, and to illustrate and demonstrate for what ideologies Donald Trump conveys and how they are realized linguistically in his speech
Chapter 5: Conclusion is summarized the main findings, and revisited the rationale and research objectives that guided this research The study is then evaluated in its limitations in terms of data selection and future research avenues in the field of political discourse analysis.
LITERATURE REVIEW& THEORETICAL BACKGROUND
Defining CDA
The roots of Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) lie in classical Rhetoric, Textlinguistics and Sociolinguistics, as well as in Applied Linguistics and Pragmatics
Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) is an interdisciplinary approach that examines language as a social practice, focusing on the relationship between language use and social context, particularly in terms of power dynamics and inequality It investigates how social power, dominance, and inequality are expressed, maintained, and challenged through written and spoken texts CDA often addresses issues of social inequality related to religion, gender, and various ideologies, while also analyzing the construction of political discourse through linguistic elements to influence and assert power in society Key characteristics of CDA include its emphasis on social practices, influential ideologies, prevalent social issues, and intertextuality, making it a valuable tool for analyzing language within its social context.
Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) explores the intricate relationship between language, power, and ideology, revealing the often concealed influences within social interactions and their linguistic components (Fairclough, 1989) It aims to uncover the underlying ideologies that shape overt propositions, particularly within various social contexts (Fowler, 1996) By highlighting the power dynamics embedded in hierarchical structures, CDA makes these hidden connections apparent to its audience, demonstrating how power can establish and perpetuate social hierarchies (Fairclough, 1989).
Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) connects textual language analysis with social practice, revealing the underlying power dynamics in language that drive social change and influence institutional discourse (Van Dijk, 1998) According to Fairclough (1995), CDA investigates how texts and events are shaped by power relations, aiming to uncover the hidden causal relationships between discursive practices and broader social structures This systematic approach highlights the intricate connections between language, ideology, and societal processes, providing insights into the role of discourse in shaping social realities.
Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) aims to explore the relationship between discourse structures and ideological frameworks, examining how ideology shapes discourse and vice versa This analysis helps uncover the collective beliefs held by specific groups or institutions regarding social phenomena Consequently, CDA serves as a vital tool for revealing the power dynamics employed by influential speakers within social discourse and practices.
Some key concepts in CDA
The term "ideology" originated in late 18th-century France and has been in use for nearly two centuries, as noted by Thompson (1990) Over time, it has acquired various functions and meanings, reflecting its evolving significance in different contexts.
Ideology, as defined by Thompson (1990), encompasses social forms and processes where symbolic forms circulate within society In Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA), ideology is viewed as a crucial tool for establishing and maintaining unequal power relations According to Thompson (1984) and van Dijk (1995, 2006), ideologies consist of shared values that guide social perception and interaction Thompson further emphasizes that studying ideology involves examining how meaning is constructed and conveyed through various symbolic forms, as well as the social contexts in which these forms are utilized.
“establish or sustain relations of domination” All the theories assume that „there are specific historical reasons why people come to feel, reason, desire, and imagine as they do‟
Ideology serves as a belief system for social actors, providing essential frameworks that organize the shared social cognitions of members within groups, organizations, or institutions In this context, ideological political discourse plays a significant role in shaping and conveying these collective beliefs.
Ideologies are shaped by both positive self-representation and negative other-representation, highlighting their cognitive and social dimensions (van Dijk, 2006) According to Fairclough (1995), ideologies exist at the intersection of societal structures and individual cognitive frameworks, influencing how social actors perceive their identities, goals, and positions These ideologies form the foundation of the knowledge and beliefs that inform individuals' everyday experiences, ultimately shaping their mental representations of actions and discourse.
According to Fairclough (2001), ideology is intrinsically connected to power, as the ideological assumptions inherent in specific conventions are shaped by the underlying power relations Additionally, language plays a crucial role in ideology, serving as the most prevalent form of social behavior that we depend on.
Beliefs and attitudes rooted in ideology are often unconsciously embedded in individuals' thought patterns and language While people may challenge or oppose these ideologies, the underlying beliefs can be obscured through language Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) effectively reveals the ideological underpinnings of social interactions, making these hidden aspects explicit (Bloor and Bloor, 2013:11).
Language use and discourse are significantly shaped by ideologies, particularly when individuals communicate as part of a group, reflecting their ideologically driven opinions This communication reveals the underlying values, beliefs, feelings, and attitudes that influence our thoughts and behaviors Consequently, we form mental frameworks that guide our actions and decisions The nuances of our language choices encapsulate these hidden motivations, revealing our intentions and experiences across various contexts of text and conversation.
Ideology serves as a foundational belief system that plays several key roles within social groups It helps organize and establish shared social representations among group members, providing a basis for their discourses and social practices Additionally, ideology facilitates the coordination of joint actions and interactions, aligning them with the group's collective goals and interests Moreover, it acts as a socio-cognitive interface, connecting the social structures of groups with their discourses and practices (van Dijk, 2006).
Ideology operates through the establishment and maintenance of unequal power relationships, which are often portrayed as legitimate and beneficial for all (Bennie Lewis cited I Petrovic, personal communication, September 15, 2015) One key function of ideology is unification, enabling the dominant class to present itself as a cohesive group, typically in opposition to a real or perceived adversary, a phenomenon commonly observed in political contexts Conversely, fragmentation represents an opposing ideological function, also prevalent in politics, where divisions are emphasized rather than unity.
Ideology serves as a tool for power, aiming to persuade individuals to align with certain beliefs rather than simply following others It emerges as a means to reproduce, influence, and regulate behavior, ultimately exerting control over power dynamics in a dominant manner.
Power is an important concept in CDA studies “Power exists in various modalities, including the concrete and unmistakable modality of physical force” (Fairclough, 2001)
According to Van Dijk (2008), power is defined as a relational property among social groups, institutions, or organizations, rooted in privileged access to valuable social resources like wealth, employment, status, and preferential access to public discourse and communication.
Power, as defined by Van Dijk (1993) and cited in Fairclough (1985), involves the control exerted by one group over another, affecting both actions and cognition While overt force, such as police violence or domestic abuse, represents a direct form of control, contemporary power often operates through cognitive means, including persuasion and manipulation This highlights the significance of discourse and critical discourse analysis (CDA), as managing others' perceptions is fundamentally linked to language use Rather than being overtly manipulative, dominance can manifest through subtle, everyday forms of communication that seem natural and acceptable Therefore, CDA must examine the discursive strategies that legitimize control and perpetuate social inequalities.
In short, power is embodied through language and hidden behind language in use
Discourse is defined differently based on the theoretical perspective of each researcher Originating from the Latin term "discursus," meaning conversation or speech, discourse can be understood as a form of social interaction, encompassing both spoken and written language.
Discourse encompasses the meaning and context of utterances, extending beyond individual sentences to include broader language use in social practices It involves the analysis of how language is utilized in communication, taking into account various factors such as participants, situations, purposes, and outcomes Understanding discourse is essential for examining the complexities of language in social interactions.
Foucault (1972) conceptualizes discourse in three distinct ways: first, as the overarching domain encompassing all statements, representing the broadest theoretical application; second, as a specific, identifiable group of statements that are internally structured, coherent, and share a common force; and third, as a regulated practice that organizes and governs a collection of statements.
CDA approaches
Several influential scholars have greatly advanced the field of Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) Among the various approaches, three prominent frameworks stand out: Van Dijk's socio-cognitive approach, Wodak's historical approach, and Fairclough's dialectical-relational approach, all of which are recognized as key contributions to CDA.
2.3.1 The socio – cognitive approach by Teun van Dijk
Van Dijk, a prominent practitioner of Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA), initially concentrated on linguistics and discourse analysis In the 1980s, he shifted his focus to highlight the diverse minorities and ethnic groups in Europe His work involved analyzing media discourse and conducting research that reflects political perspectives through CDA Furthermore, he connects language use in discourse to broader social practices, demonstrating the interplay between communication and societal dynamics.
Van Dijk (1993) emphasizes the crucial connection between power and discourse within the Socio-Cognitive Approach, particularly regarding how various social groups access community discourses This approach seeks to illuminate the intricate relationship between power dynamics and discourse, providing a framework for analysis based on van Dijk's theoretical insights.
In his 1995 study, Van Dijk emphasizes the integration of social analysis, cognitive analysis, and discourse analysis, distinguishing his approach from other Critical Discourse Analyses (CDA) by focusing on cognitive processes and mental representations of group members influenced by social power dynamics He asserts that language use and communication operate at the micro-level of social order, while concepts such as power, dominance, and inequality are analyzed at the macro-level This study aims to explore the relationship between language use and power relations within political discourse through a comprehensive macro-level analysis.
According to Van Dijk (2004), the socio-cognitive model of discourse structures analyzes the relationship between text and meaning within social practices, emphasizing communication and interaction This model encompasses both macrostructure and microstructure; macrostructure pertains to the overall meaning of the text, focusing on themes, while microstructure examines the specific elements and organization within the text At the micro level, the analysis involves language use and verbal interactions, whereas the macro level addresses issues of power, dominance, and inequality among various social groups.
Recent findings in socio-cognition highlight the interplay between social and personal contexts, emphasizing how they unite society and discourse Social cognition refers to the behavioral systems and mental representations of group members, while personal cognition is shaped indirectly by ideological processes that influence discourse, actions, and interactions.
2.3.2 The discourse – historical approach by Ruth Wodak
The distinctive approach to delimiting borders in Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) emphasizes the historical contexts of discourse for explanation and interpretation from multiple analytical perspectives Wodak and her colleague (2009) identify three key elements of discourse: (1) macro-topic-relatedness, (2) pluri-perspectivity, and (3) argumentativity Discourse Historical Analysis (DHA) examines the intertextual and interdiscursive relationships among utterances, texts, genres, and broader discourse.
The DHA examines the intertextual and interdiscursive connections between utterances, texts, genres, and discourses, while also considering the historical context of organizations and situational frameworks It investigates how these elements evolve in response to sociopolitical changes Intertextuality highlights the relationships between texts and discourses, indicating that they are interconnected in various ways Additionally, the concept of the "field of action" (Girth, 1996) refers to a segment of social reality that shapes the discourse's framework Consequently, different fields of action are characterized by distinct functions of discursive practices.
Wodak (2001) posits a dialectical relationship between discursive practices and various fields of action, indicating that situational, institutional, and social contexts both shape and are shaped by discourses This interplay suggests that while social and political processes are influenced by discourses, these discourses are also affected by their surrounding contexts Reisigl and Wodak (2009) further elaborate on the concept of discourse, emphasizing its significance in understanding social dynamics.
- a cluster of context-dependent semiotic practices that are situated within specific fields of social action
- socially constituted and socially constitutive
- linked to the argumentation about validity claims such as truth and normative valid-ity involving several social actors who have different points of view
In summary, Wodak's analytical tools in Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) highlight the distinctive characteristics of historical discourse Her work primarily focuses on elucidating the principles of discourse linguistics.
2.3.3 The dialectical – relational approach by Norman Fairclough
Fairclough is recognized for his substantial contributions to Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA), emphasizing the role of language in enhancing awareness of exploitative social relations His work is seen as a pivotal effort to elevate consciousness regarding these issues, as noted in his 1998 publication.
In this strategy, the purpose is as participating in “properties”, and as
“extensive frameworks” of CDA, which presented by Fairclough (1992, 1993,
According to Wodak (2001, p.1)‟s view, the approach to CDA “may be as fundamentally concerned with analyzing opaque as well as transparent structural language”
This research examines the interplay between social practices and language, highlighting how textual properties relate to social processes and ideologies It emphasizes that the connections between text and social relations, such as power dynamics, are not always clear to those who create and interpret texts Fairclough (1992) introduces the concept of "naturalization" to analyze these elements within socio-political and socio-historical contexts.
“production”, and “interpretation” Discourse, and any specific instance of discursive practice, as seen as simultaneously, “a language text, spoken or written”, “discourse practice (text production and text interpretation)”,
Therefore, the method of discourse analysis includes linguistic
“description” of the language text, “interpretation” of the relationships between the (productive and interpretive) discursive processes and the text, and
“explanation” of the relationship of the discursive processes and the social processes From three Fairclough‟s dimensions can be done to apply analysis as shown in the diagram below:
Discursive Practice- production, production, distribute, consumption
Figure 1 Socio-political and socio-historic context (Fairclough, 1992)
The analysis of discourse involves three key stages: description, interpretation, and explanation The first stage, description, focuses on the linguistic features of the text, including vocabulary, grammar, and textual structure According to Fairclough (1989), this stage examines the formal properties of the text In this context, vocabulary analysis involves the selection of words, while grammar encompasses grammatical features, closely linked to Halliday's systemic-functional grammar Additionally, the examination of textual structures pertains to the overall organization of the discourse.
Discursive practice, as described by Fairclough (1989), emphasizes the importance of interpreting the relationship between text and interaction, viewing text as both a product of production processes and a resource for interpretation This perspective highlights that discourse extends beyond mere text analysis; it encompasses the broader discursive practices involved Consequently, it is essential to consider factors such as speech acts and intertextuality, which connect the text to its contextual background Intertextuality serves as both an institutional and discursive process, crucial for understanding the overall discourse process.
Fairclough (1989) emphasizes that explanation involves understanding the relationship between interaction and social context, focusing on how social factors influence the production and interpretation of texts and their societal impacts This analysis considers historical, social, and cultural contexts, aligning with the concept of "discourse as social practice" and more specifically "sociocultural practice." At this stage, it is essential to examine factors such as ideology and power to comprehensively explain the interplay between the sociocultural context and the production and consumption of texts.
Review of previous studies
CDA intersects with various disciplines, particularly in analyzing political speeches and presidential inaugural addresses, making these topics a primary focus for researchers in the field.
Tran Thi Quynh Le (2006) explored the significant role of language in society by applying Norman Fairclough's Critical Discourse Analysis framework alongside Mark Halliday's Systemic Functional Grammar to examine George W Bush's inaugural speeches from the 2000 and 2004 U.S Presidential Elections The analysis revealed that elements such as over-lexicalization, lexical choice, modality, pronouns, transitivity, and themes demonstrate a close relationship between language and power The study concluded that the socio-political context plays a crucial role in shaping how ideology is expressed and embedded in language.
Interactive Enacted role (speech roles) Projected roles
In her 2014 analysis, Nguyen Dieu Hang utilized Norman Fairclough's three dimensions to explore how President Barack Obama conveyed his power and ideology in his speech at Nelson Mandela's memorial The study revealed that Obama employed various linguistic features as strategies to communicate his beliefs and garner global support Notably, the ideologies of freedom, democracy, and tolerance are not solely associated with Nelson Mandela but are also integral to Barack Obama's own principles.
The study "Power Relation on Donald Trump’s Political Campaign 2015" by Arif Angga Putra (2016) investigates the discursive strategies that reflect power dynamics in Trump's campaign Utilizing Van Dijk's Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) theory, this qualitative research analyzes data consisting of words and utterances The findings reveal that Trump employs his power relations as a strategic tool to shape public perception, often delegitimizing others, including various races and political opponents, through tactics of victimization, underestimation, and discrimination, thereby enhancing his own authority.
Van Dijk's theory is utilized to analyze political discourse in the article "Critical Discourse Analysis in Donald Trump's Presidential Campaign to Win America's Heart" by Andhita Rachman and Sofi Yunianti (2017) The study reveals how the speaker's delivery influences the intent of the utterance and its impact on the audience Employing a descriptive qualitative method, the research focuses on the data derived from Donald Trump's political discourse.
In his 2017 study, Robert McClay analyzed three political speeches by Donald Trump to uncover how he constructs discourse that shapes a specific reality for his audience, thereby framing his ideology The research, titled "A Descriptive Analysis of Donald Trump’s Campaign Speech," reveals how Trump utilizes representations of social actors and employs a strategic "Us vs Them" pronoun pattern This analysis underscores the significance of grasping the underlying ideology in Trump's messages to better interpret the discourse he employs.
Wen Chen's 2018 study employs Halliday's systematic-functional framework to examine "Donald Trump's Inaugural Speech" through transitivity, modality, personal pronouns, and coherence, highlighting the interplay of language, power, and ideology within specific social and cultural contexts The research positions political discourse as a reflection of the speaker's ideology and intention, utilizing critical discourse analysis to uncover the underlying political motives Ultimately, this analysis aims to enhance readers' comprehension of discourse, fostering critical awareness and analytical skills.
Previous studies have primarily concentrated on textual meaning analysis without integrating additional methodologies to bolster their main theories In this research, the author aims to enhance Critical Discourse Analysis by employing Norman Fairclough’s three models, providing a fresh perspective for the analysis This choice underscores the significance of Fairclough’s theory in examining the selected speech.
Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA), as outlined by Fairclough, emphasizes the connection between social practices and the transfer of ideology, highlighting how ideological values are often subtly embedded in discourse These underlying ideologies are not always overtly expressed, making them challenging to identify Furthermore, critical linguistics plays a crucial role in uncovering these hidden ideologies and analyzing the language of representation through the examination of lexical choices.
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
Data
Donald Trump's inaugural speech, delivered on January 20, 2017, marked the commencement of his presidency as the 45th President of the United States This pivotal address, lasting approximately twenty minutes, set the tone for his four-year term and significantly impacted his political career The speech is accessible for viewing on CNN's YouTube channel.
In his speech to the American people, Trump emphasized the "America First" principle and the slogan "Make America Great Again," aiming to highlight core values important to Americans The speech sought to reinforce Trump's consistent ideology and perspectives, encouraging citizens to trust that future strategies align with these enduring values Ultimately, this address reflects Trump's vision for the future of the United States.
Numerous studies have examined Donald Trump's Inaugural Speech, including Wen Chen's critical discourse analysis through the lens of System Functional Grammar and Lect Habeeb M Areef Al-Saeedi's exploration of repetition's function in the address While these analyses offer diverse perspectives, none have specifically utilized Fairclough's Critical Discourse Analysis model.
Social context of the speech
Donald John Trump, born on June 14, 1946, in the Queens borough of New York City, earned an economics degree from the Wharton School between 1966 and 1968 Prior to his political career, he was known as a successful businessman and television personality.
Donald Trump registered as a Republican in Manhattan in 1987, transitioned to the Reform Party in 1999, and then joined the Democratic Party in 2001 before returning to the Republican Party in 2009 He made donations to both the Democratic and Republican parties in 2010 In 1999, Trump aimed to lead the Reform Party in the 2000 presidential election but ultimately withdrew from the race.
In February 2011, Trump spoke at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC), signaling his interest in running for president in 2012, which marked the beginning of his political journey within the Republican Party In 2012, he delivered a speech on illegal immigration, albeit to a small audience, while also investing in research for a potential candidacy in the 2016 election.
In June 2015, Donald Trump announced his candidacy for the presidency of the United States at Trump Tower in Manhattan, adopting the campaign slogan "Make America Great Again." By March 2016, he was on track to secure the Republican nomination and subsequently campaigned against Hillary Clinton, the presumptive Democratic nominee During his inauguration ceremony on January 20, 2017, Trump emphasized two key themes: "Make America Great Again" and "America First," reinforcing his message to prioritize American interests His presidency officially began on January 20, 2017, marking him as the 45th President of the United States.
Analytical framework
Norman Fairclough, a leading practitioner in Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA), utilizes Halliday's Systemic Functional Grammar (SFG) as a foundation for his three-dimensional framework This framework encompasses three key components: the description of the relationship between text, the interpretation of the relationship between text and interaction, and the explanation of how interaction relates to the broader social context.
Description the set of formal features of the text is analyzed to express
(experiential, relational and expressive values) through vocabulary that illustrate political views.These features are expressed in diagrammatically bellow:
Dimensions of meaning Values of features Structural effects
Structural effects Social relations Social identities
Figure 3: Formal features: experiential, relational and expressive values
A formal feature with experiential value reflects the text producer's experiences of the natural or social world, encompassing knowledge and beliefs In contrast, a formal feature with relational value signifies the social relationships conveyed within the discourse Lastly, expressive value reveals the producer's evaluations and relates to subjects and social identities Thus, experiential value highlights how ideological differences between texts are encoded in their vocabulary, influencing their representations of the world.
To uncover the underlying ideology in discourse, it is essential to analyze the embedded messages and the speaker's intent Fairclough (1989) proposes ten key questions, along with additional sub-questions, that focus on vocabulary, grammar, and textual structures to facilitate a clearer understanding of the text.
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 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?
4 What experiential values do grammatical features have?
What types of process and participants predominate?
Are processes what they seem?
Are sentences active or passive?
Are sentences positive or negative?
5 What relational values do grammatical features have?
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 (simple) 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 conventions are used?
Are there ways in which one participant controls the turns of others?
10 What larger scale structures does the text have?
Vocabulary focuses on the selection of words, while grammar pertains to grammatical features, closely linked to Halliday's systemic-functional grammar Additionally, the textual structures aspect addresses the overall organization of discourse.
The term interpretation is reffered to the name of a stage in the procedure, and for the interpretation of the texts by discourse participants
Fairclough (1989) emphasizes that interpretation involves understanding the connection between text and interaction, viewing text as both a product of production and a resource for interpretation At this stage, it is essential to analyze the relationship between discourse, its production, and consumption Discourse should be seen not only as text but also as a discursive practice, which entails examining linguistic features and text structure alongside factors like speech acts and intertextuality These elements are crucial as they link the text to its broader context.
Interpretation serves as a bridge between textual discourse and its social context, involving both the content of the text and the interpreter's personal resources (MR) These resources encompass the background knowledge, values, beliefs, and assumptions that the interpreter brings to the process According to Fairclough (2001), the formal features of the text act as "cues" that activate these interpretative resources, influencing how the text is understood and interpreted.
There are six major domains of interpretation are shown in figure 4:
Interpretative procedures (MR) Resources Interpreting
Phonology, grammar,vocabulary Source of utterance
Semantics, Pragmatics Meaning of utterance
Fairclough (2001) outlines four of the six domains of discourse analysis: the surface of utterance, which involves transforming sounds or written symbols into recognizable language; the meaning of utterance, which focuses on assigning significance to the elements of a text; local coherence, which creates meaningful connections between utterances to form coherent interpretations; and text structure and point, which examines how an entire text is organized and connected.
The dimension of text as discursive practice encompasses two main processes: the institutional process, which refers to editorial procedures, and the discourse process, which involves the changes a text undergoes during its production and consumption A crucial concept in understanding the discourse process is "intertextuality," which helps to analyze the relationships among discourse, texts, and their contexts This perspective emphasizes that discourse should be viewed not merely as a linguistic construct but as a form of discursive practice that reflects its interconnectedness with other texts and settings.
The explanation stage focuses on understanding how social structures influence the processes of production and interpretation of discourse, as well as their social effects (Fairclough, 1989) It aims to depict discourse as a component of social practices, highlighting its role in both maintaining and transforming social structures (Fairclough, 2001) This relationship is mediated by social relations (MR), where social structures shape MR, which in turn influences discourse, ultimately sustaining or altering the original structures The explanation stage aligns with the concept of "discourse as social practice," particularly within the realm of sociocultural practices, emphasizing the significance of past struggles in shaping current discourse Consequently, both the social effects and determinants of discourse can be analyzed at three levels of social organization: societal, institutional, and situational.
Institutional MR Discourse MR Institutional
This article examines the determinants and effects of discourse by analyzing two dimensions of social organization across three levels: societal, institutional, and situational It also references Fairclough's framework, which outlines three key questions to evaluate specific discourses under investigation.
FINDINGS AND DISCUSSION
Textual description and analysis
Analyzing the experiential and expressive values of text is essential in critical discourse analysis, as outlined by Fairclough (2001) His framework consists of three stages: describing the data, interpreting the relationship between the text, and explaining the connection between interaction and social context This process uncovers lexical aspects, such as the choice of negative or positive words, and explores the interplay between ideology and power, as well as the speaker's ideology, to clarify the interaction between discourse processes and social practices.
Van Dijk (2001) highlights that the semantic ideology behind lexical selection is crucial for conveying experiential values through vocabulary This is particularly evident in speeches, which often feature a mix of positive and negative language An example of this is Donald Trump's inaugural speech, which lasted approximately twenty minutes and included his promise to "Make America Great Again."
Great Again”- “America First”, to clarify demonstration in the using of vocabulary, vocabulary plays an important role and relates values
In his speech, Trump conveyed a strong belief in the future strength of the United States, reflecting his impulsive perspective aimed at reassuring the American people.
Through carefully selected vocabulary, the underlying ideology in the discourse becomes evident, as Trump asserts that Americans will place their trust in the government and embrace new policies Key phrases such as "transferring power," "administration," "party," and "Washington D.C." highlight his intention of "giving it back" to the American people, reinforcing the belief in a government that serves its citizens.
Trump's ideology emphasizes that the government prioritizes the interests of Americans, asserting that power ultimately resides with the people Through his rhetoric, he aims to inspire enthusiasm and foster a sense of pride among his audience, effectively rallying their support.
“For too long, a small group in our nation's Capital has reaped the rewards of government”(line 17)
Donald Trump, a wealthy businessman, presents his views from a unique perspective, prioritizing his personal understanding over political bias He highlights the significant hardships faced by many individuals in society, contrasting their struggles with the benefits enjoyed by a small elite in the nation's capital.
“have borne the cost” (line 18)
The use of the word "borne" highlights the challenging circumstances faced by society, emphasizing the seriousness of the issue This choice of language not only showcases the speaker's self-awareness but also connects with the audience, reflecting Donald Trump's ideology It signals the new president's commitment to addressing social inequality and justice, making it clear to the audience that he is dedicated to enacting meaningful change.
To shorten the distance and add closeness to the audiences, he uses “we” pronoun to imply that Trump is one member of the public through sentences below:
“we've enriched foreign industry at the expense of American industry; subsidized the armies of other countries while allowing for the very sad depletion of our military”(line 56-58)
He presented evidence of economic industry, military strength, and border trade, criticizing past domestic policies and diplomatic strategies that have led to failures By highlighting these issues, he aims to revitalize the economy and rebuild infrastructure, instilling confidence in his leadership and the new government His message emphasizes a commitment to creating a better future for the American people.
“looking only to the future; assembled here today; issuing a new decree to be heard in every city, in every foreign capital, and in every hall of power;
From this day forward, is going to be only America first, America first”(line 68-72)
The ruling party emphasizes the significance of solidarity while promising a prosperous future, indicating that it will facilitate all commercial developments to garner support and advocacy for its initiatives.
Trump is committed to prioritizing the interests of Americans, aiming to gain their support through his focus on their needs He positions himself as a leader capable of restoring American values, emphasizing his dedication to putting the people first.
Protectionism will foster significant prosperity and strength, allowing America to achieve unprecedented victories We will restore jobs, secure our borders, reclaim our wealth, and revive our dreams Additionally, we will invest in new infrastructure, including roads, highways, and bridges, while transitioning our citizens from welfare to employment.
Donald Trump motivates Americans to strive for a better life, emphasizing that each citizen is a vital contributor to the nation's strength and global influence He asserts that the collective effort and responsibility of the people are essential for the protection and construction of the country Only through unity and collaboration can the nation achieve true power and prosperity.
Trump employs various strategies to convey his ideology, utilizing language that reflects a hidden power dynamic His promises serve as a means of asserting control, highlighting the underlying influence embedded in his choice of words.
“Buy American and hire American”(line 87)
Trump's speech aims to convey his intentions and ideology, emphasizing the importance of American citizens taking control of their own country His display of power serves as a strong motivator for people to engage with his message.
In summary, the speech is concise yet impactful, highlighting the decline of the United States through powerful language It effectively conveys the notion that America is weakening, as evidenced by the following statement:
“American First” - “Make America Great Again” (line 71 &138)
Interpretation of the relationship between the productive and
The interpretative stage involves analyzing both the text and its context, focusing on the surface meaning and significance of utterances This process examines local coherence, textual elements, and the overall "point" of the communication, as outlined by Fairclough (2001).
In previous sections, we explored the interpretation of text and its distinct features, focusing on the analysis of Trump's speeches This research aims to help readers understand the speaker's power and underlying ideology conveyed during his addresses The current section will delve into the interpretation of context, specifically examining situational context and intertextual context.
Fairclough (2001) identifies four key situational dimensions that are essential for analysis: the context of the situation, the participants involved, the nature of their relationships, and the role of language within these dynamics.
In term of “what’s going on?” this activity is both conveying and informing to the United States and all the world about the inaugural ceremony, on January 20,
In his 2017 speech, Trump articulates his ideology of power through persuasive language, addressing various domestic and international challenges He presents solutions to overcome existing weaknesses and outlines his vision for the future, urging unity to usher the country into a new era.
His expectations and aggressive impulses were conveyed through carefully chosen words, aimed at building audience trust in support of his new policy and administration.
In the context of "who's involved?", the participants play a crucial role, particularly the speaker and the audience In this scenario, Donald Trump serves as the primary speaker, highlighting the distinct social identities of the participants within the discourse.
The new President stands at the forefront, addressing all Americans in a significant speech The audience, whether watching on television, reading online, or observing from a distance, is eager to engage with the President's message, including those who may be viewing images of Trump during the ceremony.
In the context of the speech, participants may come from various political parties and diverse social backgrounds However, the discourse lacks interaction between the speaker and the audience, as the speaker uses direct language to impose their intentions and ideology Consequently, the audience is left unable to fully interpret the speaker's implications.
In examining the dynamics of power and social distance, it is essential to consider the nature of the relationship between the speaker and the audience According to Fairclough (2001), understanding these relationships helps illuminate how they are established and enacted within a given situation.
The speaker's lack of direct interaction with the audience limits engagement, as diverse ideologies, societal backgrounds, and institutional influences lead to varied interpretative processes and interpretations among listeners.
Language serves as a powerful tool for conveying information, enabling speakers to express their ideologies, opinions, and authority In this context, Donald Trump utilizes speech acts to engage his audience, aiming to persuade them to support and endorse his future plans and new policies.
Explanation of the relationship between discourse and social process
Fairclough (2001) emphasizes that language is intertwined with power, highlighting the role of discourse as a social practice influenced by social structures He argues that discourses can either sustain or transform these structures, particularly in the context of power relations and social struggles To fully understand this dynamic, it is essential to examine three levels of social organization: societal, institutional, and situational, which reveal how ideologies are articulated and challenged.
In his speech, Trump distinguishes himself from traditional candidates, highlighting a campaign that deviates from the norm Former British ambassador Christopher Meyer notes that the significant challenge for both outsiders and Americans is Trump's impending entry into the Oval Office He suggests that understanding the current dynamics of American politics is crucial for better future preparedness.
The perspective on domestic and foreign policy under Trump marks a significant departure from previous administrations, signaling a potential transformation for the United States Trump emphasized prioritizing core and national interests during his inauguration speech, which stood out as a unique address compared to those of past presidents Unlike typical political rhetoric, his speech reflected the viewpoint of a billionaire now leading the nation.
Mr Donald Trump distinguishes himself from his predecessors by focusing less on their legacies and more on criticizing the inefficacy of politicians in Washington, D.C He emphasizes the need for action over empty rhetoric, stating, “We will no longer accept politicians who are all talk and no action.” Trump asserts that the current transfer of power is not just a change in administration but a shift from the Washington government back to the American people, declaring, “Today we are not merely transferring power from one Administration to another, but we are transferring power from Washington, D.C and giving it back to you, the American People.”
America's message emphasizes prioritizing national interests by protecting borders and supporting domestic production The call to "Buy American and Hire Americans" reflects a commitment to safeguarding jobs and industries from foreign competition This transition is not merely a shift between political parties, but a restoration of power to the American people, underscoring the importance of unity and collective strength in the nation.
The emphasis on American people and their unity is crucial for building strength in the nation This connection is anticipated to empower America significantly in the future Trump's ideology, prominently showcased through the "America First" and "Make America Great Again" themes, reflects a desire for a smooth four-year trajectory However, Trump diverges from traditional approaches, breaking away from established norms to forge a new path for the country.
In summary, Donald Trump stands out as an unprecedented and unpredictable figure in American presidential history His rise to the White House was influenced by the socio-political climate in the United States and around the world, as he emerged as a symbol of change and hope for a nation grappling with deep divisions and criticisms of weakness on the global stage However, this challenging context also presented significant obstacles for the 45th President of the United States.
This section analyzes D.J Trump's speech, highlighting his significant influence on the American public and the nation The following chapter will summarize key findings, address the study's limitations, and offer recommendations for future research.