Coercive Discourse Patterns in President George Bush’s 2001 and 2005 Inaugural Addresses.

Abstract

This paper investigates coercive strategies employed by President Bush in his 2001 and 2005 inaugural addresses. The study is situated in the broad field of discourse analysis whose main thrust is to investigate the use of language in naturally occurring connected speech or written texts. In carrying out the study, the researchers used the qualitative research method where the two inaugural addresses have been used as primary sources. These sources are subjected to critical scrutiny with the intention of establishing the strategies employed by the President to rally the American audience and international community towards his vision. The study has revealed that the President employs a multiplicity of coercive discourse patterns in his quest to garner popular support for his policies, and legitimacy in their implementation. The use of binaries, collective pronouns and lexical reiteration are some of the key weapons unleashed on the audience.