Scarica Bush's Rhetoric on War and Terrorism: Language, Ideology, and Intertextuality - Prof. Dema e più Sintesi del corso in PDF di Filologia Inglese solo su Docsity!
Preface
● The study examines how language is a tool for imposing worldviews, shaping public opinion, and legitimizing political stances. ● Dominant groups control language, which reflects their ideology and limits alternative expressions. ● Language is not neutral; it represents social reality and influences perceptions.
Part One: Introduction to Ideology and Language
1.1 Ideology
● Definition : A system of values and beliefs that influences knowledge and judgement. ● Affects language use and expressions.
1.2 Language Use and Context
● Discourse : The active use of language in social contexts; not just to express but to shape realities through interaction. ● Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis : Language influences thought and cultural interpretation.
1.3 Text Relationships
● Linguistic and Intertextual Analysis : Texts do not exist in a vacuum; they interact with past texts and cultural significations.
1.3.1 Genre
● Importance of Genre : Understands forms of social action through structured communication.
1.3.2 Intertextuality
● Influence of Previous Texts : New texts reference and reshape older ones affecting interpretation and meaning.
Part Two: Analysis of Bush’s Ideology and Language
2.1 Introduction
● Focuses on Bush's language about war and terrorism post-9/11, highlighting the blend of political and religious rhetoric.
2.2 Presidential Ideology
● Religion as a driving force in Bush's policy decisions and public rhetoric, aligning personal faith with political purpose.
2.3 Intertextuality and Ideology
● Bush's vocabulary and phrases (e.g., "Axis of Evil") are drawn from historical contexts, shaping public perception within a religious and national framework.
2.4 Ideational Meaning and Representation
● Terror and Terrorist : Bush’s frequent terms, creating a persistent image of opposition between "freedom" (America) and "terror". ● Freedom : Central to Bush's rhetoric, linked to morality, American identity, and perceived global responsibilities.
Bush's Speeches Analysis
Key Speeches (2001-2003)
- Address to the Nation (2001a) : Condemnation of terrorist acts, emphasizing American resolve and moral superiority.
- National Day of Prayer (2001b) : Highlights national grief, calls for unity, intertwining moral values with political action.
- Joint Session of Congress (2001d) : Definition of the conflict as a war of good vs. evil, clear delineation of American values against terrorism.
- State of the Union (2002a) : Emphasizes new national challenges post-9/11; promotes the idea of America’s mission in the world.
● Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis: Proposes that language influences thought and cultural interpretation, meaning that the structure of a language affects its speakers’ worldview.
1.3 Text Relationships
● Linguistic and Intertextual Analysis: Texts do not exist in isolation; they interact with past texts and cultural significations, impacting their interpretation. ○ 1.3.1 Genre ● Importance of Genre: It helps to understand forms of social action through structured communication, as different genres dictate how meaning is conveyed. ○ 1.3.2 Intertextuality ● Influence of Previous Texts: New texts reference and reshape older ones, affecting interpretation and meaning.
Part Two: Analysis of Bush’s Ideology and Language
2.1 Introduction
Focuses on George W. Bush's language regarding war and terrorism
following 9/11, highlighting his blend of political and religious rhetoric.
2.2 Presidential Ideology
● Religion as a Driving Force: Bush’s personal faith aligns with his political purpose and influences his policy decisions and public rhetoric.
2.3 Intertextuality and Ideology
● Historical Context in Vocabulary: Phrases such as "Axis of Evil" are drawn from historical references, shaping public perception within a religious and national framework.
2.4 Ideational Meaning and Representation
● Key Terms: "Terror" and "Terrorist" are frequently employed by Bush, creating an enduring image of opposition between "freedom" (America) and "terror." ● Freedom: A central theme in Bush's rhetoric, linking it to morality, American identity, and perceived global responsibilities.
Bush's Speeches Analysis
Key Speeches (2001-2003)
● Address to the Nation (2001a): Condemnation of terrorist acts, asserting American resolve and moral superiority. ● National Day of Prayer (2001b): Emphasizes national grief and unity, intertwining moral values with political action. ● Joint Session of Congress (2001d): Defines the conflict as a war of good versus evil, clearly delineating American values against terrorism. ● State of the Union (2002a): Highlights new national challenges post-9/11; promotes the concept of America’s mission globally. ● Remarks on Iraq (2003b): Justification for military action framed in moral and ideological contexts, warning against threats posed by non-compliance.
Concluding Remarks
Bush’s language regarding war is steeped in religious and nationalistic
rhetoric; it employs intertextuality and metaphor to construct a narrative of
moral clarity. The study also examines how ideology is constructed and
communicated via Bush’s assertions, emphasizing their impact on public
opinion and international relations.
Flashcard # Term: Overall Outcome of Bush's Rhetoric Definition: Language steeped in religious and nationalistic rhetoric that constructs a narrative of moral clarity influencing public opinion and international relations.
