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An Analysis of the Interpersonal Meaning of Barack Obama’s Political Speeches

Author: WangGuo
Tutor: DuWeiPing
School: Capital Normal University
Course: Foreign Linguistics and Applied Linguistics
Keywords: Political speech Systemic Functional Grammar Interpersonal meta- functions Interpersonal meaning
CLC: H315
Type: Master's thesis
Year: 2011
Downloads: 191
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Abstract

In many aspects of social life, we are relying on speech to convey information, express emotions, build relationships and so on. The successful speaker can effectively communicate its contents to impress persuade listeners to speakers want to take action. Therefore, the speaker in the speech process how listener is very important to achieve the effective interaction. Halliday, founder of the system function syntax provides a strong theoretical support for the analysis of the interaction between the Speaker and Listener. One of the important part of his function syntax is meta-functions. \Halliday the language Metafunction divided into three types: concept metafunctions, interpersonal meta-functions and discourse-functional. People and other people with language exchanges, establishing and maintaining interpersonal relationships, with language to influence the behavior of others, and even change the world at the same time using the language to express views on the world, this is what we call the human function. This paper attempts to interpersonal function theory in systemic functional grammar of Halliday interpersonal significance of Obama's political speech characteristics. This study used a combination of qualitative and quantitative analysis. Interpersonal meaning through tone system, modal system, called System tense system, as well as Martin's evaluation system implemented by Obama's five political speech. Tone systems, speakers more statements tone to provide information to the audience, to show that their own attitudes and ideas. Modal system, in order to avoid too arrogant and too radical speakers to use more, the low value of modal expressions politely express their views and attitudes thereby narrowing the relationship between the two. Similarly, the person also reflects a complex dynamic of interpersonal relationships between speaker and audience. Political speech is a face-to-face exchanges between speaker and audience, therefore, generally now when the use of a dominant position, giving cordial sense; Obama also extensive use of the past tense, he is mainly used to tell own stories and experiences, his story into more about him, his experience is more expressed his concern on the masses of the people, in order to win more support. Choice of vocabulary related to the evaluation system, the speaker in a different way to express different emotional colors. This study contribute to a better understanding of the to grasp political speech language features, and enhance such discourse to critically appreciate. In addition, the research for English language learners learn English speech and improve their English communication ability is also beneficial.

An Analysis of the Interpersonal Meaning of Barack Obama’s Political Speeches

Abstract

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