INTRODUCTION
Rationale
The study of language in use is a significant social phenomenon that uncovers underlying ideologies and power dynamics Recently, critical discourse analysis (CDA) has gained popularity among linguists for its focus on exploring the connections between language, ideologies, and power This approach aims to reveal the hidden ideologies and power structures embedded within discourse Consequently, I have chosen to apply CDA in my minor thesis.
As a language learner with a keen interest in politics, I have chosen to analyze President Obama's speech on Cuba's détente policy This speech, comprising over 2,000 words, is ideal for my 10,000-word study It is an official address delivered by a prominent political figure, which adds to its significance Most importantly, I aim to explore how Obama's ideologies are constructed and expressed linguistically throughout the speech.
Scope of the study
This study focuses on the written aspects of speech, acknowledging the importance of spoken elements in understanding the overall message With over 20,000 words, the text is sufficient for a minor thesis Therefore, I emphasize fundamental features such as vocabulary, grammar, and textual elements to uncover the underlying messages within the discourse.
Purposes of the study
This study aims to explore the intricate relationship between language, ideologies, and power as reflected in speech, revealing how these ideologies are linguistically manifested and constructed within discourse To achieve this, the research addresses two key questions that guide the investigation.
1) What are Obama‟s themes as constructed in his speech?
2) How are the themes manifested linguistically?
Empirical Data
The empirical data used in the paper comes from the website (http://www.americanrhetoric.com/newtop100speeches.htm)
On December 17, 2014, a historic speech delivered in the Cabinet room of the White House marked a significant shift in U.S.-Cuba relations, ending a 54-year diplomatic freeze The speech aimed to restore full diplomatic ties with Cuba, a goal that emerged after President Obama's 2012 reelection, when he encouraged his advisers to explore new opportunities with long-standing adversaries like Cuba and Iran This pivotal moment was the culmination of 18 months of discreet negotiations, including secret meetings in Canada and the involvement of Pope Francis, which laid the groundwork for this transformative diplomatic breakthrough.
Design of the study
This study consists of three main parts They are:
It includes the rationale, the scope of the study, the aims of the study, data collecting and sampling, and the design of the study.
DEVELOPMENT
Literature Review
Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) is a significant area within applied linguistics that emerged in the 1970s Its evolution has been shaped by influential scholars such as Kress and Hodge (1979), Fowler et al (1979), van Dijk (1985), Fairclough (1989), and Wodak (1989).
Fowler et al (1979-1996) significantly contributed to the early foundations of Critical Linguistics, while Fairclough (1989-1999) developed social theories that underpin Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA), illustrating its role in revealing the discursive nature of social and cultural changes Van Dijk further advanced the field by exploring text linguistics and discourse analysis, emphasizing the cognitive mechanisms involved in discourse processing Together, these linguists established the core assumptions and principles of Critical Linguistics, leading to the emergence of CDA in the 1990s as a distinct and radical approach to linguistic analysis Notably, their work is largely influenced by Hallidayan systemic functional grammar, highlighting the necessity of understanding Halliday's framework for a comprehensive grasp of CDA.
Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) involves an in-depth exploration of key concepts such as 'critical', 'ideology', 'power', and 'discourse' to foster a comprehensive understanding of the field Before delving into these essential elements, it is important to define CDA and outline its objectives.
The notion of Critical Discourse Analysis is the principal issue for those who wish to research such an area It stays dissimilar among different scholars such as van Dijk
Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) examines how social power, dominance, and inequality are enacted, reproduced, and resisted through language in social and political contexts, as noted by van Dijk (1998) In contrast, Norman Fairclough (2001) views CDA as an ideological analysis, emphasizing its role in uncovering hidden power dynamics and ideologies within discourse This interdisciplinary approach treats language as a social practice, aiming to reveal the underlying influences that shape communication.
Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) aims to understand social issues, inequalities, and ideologies by revealing the subtle ways discourse perpetuates these phenomena (Litosseliti, 2006) It seeks to develop effective strategies to combat societal persecution (Rathzel, in Wodak, 1997) and works towards deconstructing and reconstructing perceptions of the 'other' (Rathzel in Wodak, 1997) According to Schaffner (1996), CDA should describe, explain, and, when necessary, critique social and discursive practices grounded in rigorous research.
The concept of "critical" in Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) varies in interpretation According to the Oxford Dictionary, it involves examining culture and literature through the lens of social, historical, and ideological influences Wodak and Meyer (2002) emphasize the importance of maintaining distance from data, embedding it within social contexts, adopting a political stance, and fostering self-reflection among researchers Similarly, Corson (2000, in Roger 2004) links "critical" to studies of power relations, enabling linguists to uncover hidden power inequalities within discourses and broader social structures Ultimately, "critical" serves as a qualitative and effective tool for revealing the ideologies and power dynamics present in discourse.
„Ideology‟ for CDA, is seen as an important aspect of establishing and maintaining unequal power relations Thompson (1990) holds his opinion about the study of
Ideology refers to the methods through which meaning is constructed and communicated using various symbolic forms It examines the social contexts in which these symbols are utilized According to Simpson (1993), ideology arises from a blend of cultural assumptions, political beliefs, and institutional practices Eagleton further explores these concepts, emphasizing the intricate relationship between ideology and societal structures.
In 1994, the study of "ideology" necessitates an exploration of various theories and theorists who have analyzed the connection between thought and social reality According to van Dijk, despite differing definitions of "ideology," its primary functions include facilitating self-representation of the group and its members, organizing social practices and struggles, and advocating for the interests of the group in relation to others.
Wodak and Meyer define "power" as a relational concept rooted in social differences, emphasizing that while it does not originate from language, it is influenced by language, which can challenge and reshape power dynamics over time Teun van Dijk (1998) views power through the lens of control, suggesting that those who can influence the actions and thoughts of others wield greater power In Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA), power is often perceived as ideological, manifesting in discourse and enabling individuals or groups to present their practices, beliefs, and perspectives as universal truths or common sense.
In Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA), power is conveyed through both grammatical structures and an individual's ability to navigate social situations using specific text genres It is within these genres tied to particular social contexts that power dynamics are either asserted or contested.
In this session, I will explore the concept of "discourse" within Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA), emphasizing its role as a social practice I will also identify various types of discourse, with a particular focus on "political discourse" due to its relevance to the study at hand.
In CDA, „discourse‟ is considered as a social practice By using „a social practice‟,
Fairclough posits that language is intrinsically linked to society, functioning as a social process shaped by various non-linguistic factors Discourse is influenced by specific social conditions related to its production and interpretation These conditions operate on three distinct levels: the immediate social situation where discourse takes place, the broader social institutions that form the context for discourse, and the overarching societal framework.
Social conditions of production Process of production
Text Process of interpretation Interaction
Social conditions of interpretation Context
Table 1 : Discourse as text, interaction and context
Norman Fairclough (2001) identifies two key dimensions of discourse: power in discourse and power behind discourse Power in discourse refers to the active exercise of power within discourse, highlighting the dynamics of power struggles where dominant participants exert control while marginalized voices are constrained Conversely, power behind discourse pertains to the underlying stakes in these power struggles, emphasizing that control over orders of discourse serves as a crucial mechanism for maintaining power.
Dieckmann and Christina Schaffner define political language as the use of language within a political context and the perspective on language usage, respectively According to Geiss (1987), political language features can lead to a more profound influence on individuals' political thoughts than overt expressions of strong opinions Bias frequently permeates political discourse, and verbs associated with speech can suggest either positive or negative implications Additionally, the context in which political discourse occurs is crucial for comprehending the underlying messages within the text.
One more thing, political speeches contain some characteristics as follow:
The speeches are parts of and/ or the results of politics
They fulfill different functions due to different political activities
Their topics are primarily associated with politics
In the majority of the cases, they are meant for a wide public.
Methodology
The data utilized for this Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) is empirical in nature Specifically, it focuses on the political speech titled "Obama's Address on Cuba Détente Policy." This speech is sourced from the American Rhetoric website, which features a collection of significant speeches.
Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) seeks to uncover the connections between language, ideologies, and power, revealing the underlying ideologies and power dynamics present in discourse This approach will be applied to examine how ideologies are linguistically expressed in Obama's speeches and to understand the construction of his ideological perspectives.
Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) is fundamentally rooted in theory, with a diverse range of theoretical frameworks utilized for its analysis Among these, Fairclough’s analytical framework is favored for its linguistic focus Fairclough incorporates Halliday’s systemic functional grammar in his methodology, leading to a three-dimensional approach that emphasizes key aspects of Halliday’s systemic functional linguistics.
In his approach, Fairclough recommends three different stages which are description, interpretation and explanation as well
In this stage, we analyze features such as vocabulary, grammar, and textual structure to uncover hidden meanings, embedded messages, and the speaker's ideologies To facilitate this analysis, several questions have been outlined below.
1 What experiential values do words have?
2 What relational values do words have?
3 What expressive values do words have?
5 What experiential values do grammatical features have?
6 What relational values do grammatical features have?
7 What expressive values do grammatical feature have?
8 How are sentences linked together?
9 What interactional conventions are used?
10 What larger-scale structures does the text have?
The interpretation step involves understanding discourse by considering both the content of the text and the background assumptions of the interpreter This process highlights the interaction between the text and the interpreter's perspective, leading to a comprehensive understanding of the discourse.
Interpretative procedures (MR) Resources Interpreting
Interactional history Inter-textual context
Phonology, grammar, Surface of utterance vocabulary
Semantics, Meaning of utterance pragmatics
Schemata Text structure and „point‟
The third stage of explanation aims to illustrate discourse as a social process, highlighting its influence on social structures and the cumulative reproductive effects it can have, either sustaining or transforming these structures Norman Fairclough identifies three key questions that should be applied in discourse analysis to explore these dynamics effectively.
1 Social determinants: What power relations at situational, institutional, and societal level help shape this discourse?
2 Ideologies: What elements of MR which are drawn upon have an ideological character?
3 Effect: How is this discourse positioned in relation to struggles at the situational, institutional, and societal levels? Are the struggles overt or over? Is the discourse formative with respect to MR or creative? Does it contribute to sustaining existing power relations or transforming them?
For Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA), understanding the linguistic system is crucial Halliday identified three interconnected meta-functions of language: the ideational function, which structures experience; the interpersonal function, which defines relationships among participants; and the textual function, which ensures coherence and cohesion in texts In this paper, I focus on the ideational and textual functions, which manifest at the lexico-grammar level through transitivity and thematic choices, with the clause serving as the fundamental unit of analysis.
The system categorizes the world of experience into manageable process types, each consisting of three key components: the process itself, the participants involved, and the circumstances surrounding it Transitivity allows for the classification of countless occurrences into a limited number of process types, which include material, mental, relational, behavioral, verbal, and existential processes This framework is valuable for interpreting and understanding various experiences.
The thematic system addresses how text content is organized, focusing on the arrangement of "theme and rheme" within a clause According to Halliday (1994), the theme serves as the starting point for the message, providing the foundation from which the clause develops Themes can be classified as simple or multiple, with the topical theme extending from the beginning of the clause to the first element functioning in transitivity When additional elements precede the topical theme, it results in multiple themes; conversely, if no elements come before the topical theme, it remains singular The components of a multiple theme can be summarized based on the insights of Bloor, T., and Bloor, M (1995).
Meta-function Component of theme
Structural Conjunctive Interpersonal theme Vocative
Modal Finite Wh-interogative Experiential theme Topical (participant, circumstance, process)
Table 3 : Components of a multiple theme
In linguistic analysis, it is essential to differentiate between marked and unmarked themes A marked theme refers to a theme that is distinct from the subject in a declarative clause, while an unmarked theme typically appears in adverbial groups, prepositions, or nominalizations The unmarked theme is positioned where the subject serves as the starting point of the clause.
This chapter reviews and discusses Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) theories, with a detailed examination of Norman Fairclough's analytical framework These theories and frameworks serve as essential tools for analyzing Obama’s speech, which is the focal point of the study.
CONCLUSION
Summary and conclusion
Content analysis unveils the underlying themes in Obama's speech, which include the announcement of changes, a reflection on past policies, the necessity for reform, the challenges faced, proposed solutions, and a recognition of the issues at hand.
The analysis demonstrates a clear connection between ideology, power, and language in the speech The speaker effectively employs linguistic strategies to embed their ideologies, persuading and appealing to the audience while asserting their authority on this crucial policy issue.
The speaker skillfully utilizes positive vocabulary and phrases to highlight the strength of his relationship with his partner, demonstrating an understanding of the power of words Additionally, the use of metaphors in his speech aims to foster a stronger connection that yields mutual benefits Through eloquent language and figurative expressions, the speaker seeks to persuade the audience of the successful conclusion of his policy.
The speaker employs grammatical features to persuade Cuba to align with his viewpoint, effectively using personal pronouns to foster a sense of unity By incorporating logical connectors, he aims to convince his partner that the proposed policy will fulfill mutual needs, emphasizing its benefits for both nations The choice of voice and mode is strategic, allowing the speaker to navigate the sensitive historical context between the two countries while maintaining the dignity of his administration Ultimately, through these grammatical techniques, the speaker expresses his commitment to the policy regarding Cuba, subtly asserting his leadership role.
Transitivity and thematic systems play a crucial role in revealing the underlying ideologies and power dynamics in speech Key findings indicate that the dominance of material processes and the prevalence of marked themes enable speakers to effectively describe actions and events, facilitating a clear presentation of their ideologies For instance, the normalization of policy with Cuba is portrayed as beneficial and justified, as it promotes mutual reimbursements, particularly for the involved partner.
The article explores the textual features of a speaker's strategy to effectively communicate their ideology, power, and language It highlights how the speaker employs various techniques, such as personal pronouns, nominalization, passivization, modality, and cohesive devices, to convey their policy intentions The ultimate goal is to persuade the audience to embrace the speaker's vision for a better future, emphasizing the importance of these strategies in making their message compelling and relatable.
In conclusion, Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) highlights the intricate relationship between language, ideologies, and power within discourse Language serves not only as a medium for expressing ideologies and power but also plays a crucial role in shaping them, ultimately reflecting one's identity The case study demonstrates that Obama skillfully utilizes language as a strategic tool to articulate his ideologies and assert his power effectively.
Implications
Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) plays a vital role in linguistics research and society by influencing various fields such as economics and politics It serves to persuade audiences, convey speakers' ideologies, and assert power The significance of CDA extends beyond academia, impacting political discourse and enhancing critical thinking regarding publicly shared information and decision-making processes.
Despite significant efforts to complete this study, it has certain limitations, particularly as outlined in the scope While I could explore various aspects such as the spoken version and body language, I have focused solely on the written version of the speech, neglecting other dimensions Moving forward, I aim to conclude the study by addressing these additional aspects.
WEBSITE http://www.americanrhetoric.com/newtop100speeches.htm
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Today, the United States of America is changing its relationship with the people of
In the most significant changes in our policy in more than fifty years, we will end an
4 outdated approach that, for decades, has failed to advance our interests, and instead we
5 will begin to normalize relations between our two countries
Through these changes, we intend to create more opportunities for the American and
Cuban people, and begin a new chapter among the nations of the Americas
There‟s a complicated history between the United States and Cuba
I was born in 1961 – just over two years after Fidel Castro took power in Cuba, and just a
10 few months after the Bay of Pigs invasion, which tried to overthrow his regime
Over the next several decades, the relationship between our countries played out
12 against the backdrop of the Cold War, and America‟s steadfast opposition to
13 communism We are separated by just over 90 miles
But year after year, an ideological and economic barrier hardened between our two
Meanwhile, the Cuban exile community in the United States made enormous
17 contributions to our country in politics and business, culture and sports
Like immigrants before, Cubans helped remake America, even as they felt a painful
19 yearning for the land and families they left behind
All of this bound America and Cuba in a unique relationship, at once family and foe
Proudly, the United States has supported democracy and human rights in Cuba through
We have done so primarily through policies that aimed to isolate the island, preventing
24 the most basic travel and commerce that Americans can enjoy anyplace else
And though this policy has been rooted in the best of intentions, no other nation joins
26 us in imposing these sanctions, and it has had little effect beyond providing the Cuban
27 government with a rationale for restrictions on its people
Today, Cuba is still governed by the Castros and the Communist Party that came to
Obama’s address on Cuba détente policy
Neither the American, nor Cuban people are well served by a rigid policy that is rooted
31 in events that took place before most of us were born
Consider that for more than 35 years, we‟ve had relations with China a far larger
33 country also governed by a Communist Party
Nearly two decades ago, we reestablished relations with Vietnam, where we fought a
35 war that claimed more Americans than any Cold War confrontation
That‟s why when I came into office I promised to re-examine our Cuba policy As
37 a start, we lifted restrictions for Cuban Americans to travel and send remittances to
These changes, once controversial, now seem obvious
Cuban Americans have been reunited with their families, and are the best possible
And through these exchanges, a younger generation of Cuban Americans has
43 increasingly questioned an approach that does more to keep Cuba closed off from an
While I have been prepared to take additional steps for some time, a major obstacle
46 stood in our way the wrongful imprisonment, in Cuba, of a U.S citizen and USAID
47 sub-contractor Alan Gross for five years
Over many months, my administration has held discussions with the Cuban
49 government about Alan‟s case, and other aspects of our relationship
His Holiness Pope Francis issued a personal appeal to me, and to Cuba‟s President
Raul Castro, urging us to resolve Alan‟s case, and to address Cuba‟s interest in the
52 release of three Cuban agents who have been jailed in the United States for over 15
Today, Alan returned home reunited with his family at long last
Alan was released by the Cuban government on humanitarian grounds
Separately, in exchange for the three Cuban agents, Cuba today released one of the
57 most important intelligence agents that the United States has ever had in Cuba, and
58 who has been imprisoned for nearly two decades
This man, whose sacrifice has been known to only a few, provided America with the
60 information that allowed us to arrest the network of Cuban agents that included the
61 men transferred to Cuba today, as well as other spies in the United States
This man is now safely on our shores
Having recovered these two men who sacrificed for our country, I‟m now taking steps
64 to place the interests of the people of both countries at the heart of our policy
First, I‟ve instructed Secretary Kerry to immediately begin discussions with Cuba to
66 reestablish diplomatic relations that have been severed since January of 1961 Going
67 forward, the United States will reestablish an embassy in Havana, and high-ranking
Where we can advance shared interests, we will on issues like health, migration,
70 counterterrorism, drug trafficking and disaster response
Indeed, we‟ve seen the benefits of cooperation between our countries before
It was a Cuban, Carlos Finlay, who discovered that mosquitoes carry yellow fever; his
73 work helped Walter Reed fight it
Cuba has sent hundreds of health care workers to Africa to fight Ebola, and I believe
American and Cuban health care workers should work side by side to stop the spread
Now, where we disagree, we will raise those differences directly as we will continue
78 to do on issues related to democracy and human rights in Cuba
But I believe that we can do more to support the Cuban people and promote our values
After all, these 50 years have shown that isolation has not worked
It‟s time for a new approach
Second, I‟ve instructed Secretary Kerry to review Cuba‟s designation as a State
This review will be guided by the facts and the law
Terrorism has changed in the last several decades
At a time when we are focused on threats from al Qaeda to ISIL, a nation that meets
88 our conditions and renounces the use of terrorism should not face this sanction
Third, we are taking steps to increase travel, commerce, and the flow of information to
This is fundamentally about freedom and openness, and also expresses my belief
92 in the power of people-to-people engagement
With the changes I‟m announcing today, it will be easier for Americans to travel to
Cuba, and Americans will be able to use American credit and debit cards on the island
Nobody represents America‟s values better than the American people, and I believe
96 this contact will ultimately do more to empower the Cuban people
I also believe that more resources should be able to reach the Cuban people
So we‟re significantly increasing the amount of money that can be sent to Cuba, and
99 removing limits on remittances that support humanitarian projects, the Cuban people,
100 and the emerging Cuban private sector
I believe that American businesses should not be put at a disadvantage, and that
102 increased commerce is good for Americans and for Cubans
So we will facilitate authorized transactions between the United States and Cuba U.S
104 financial institutions will be allowed to open accounts at Cuban financial institutions
And it will be easier for U.S exporters to sell goods in Cuba
I believe in the free flow of information
Unfortunately, our sanctions on Cuba have denied Cubans access to technology that
108 has empowered individuals around the globe
So I‟ve authorized increased telecommunications connections between the United
Businesses will be able to sell goods that enable Cubans to communicate with the
United States and other countries
These are the steps that I can take as President to change this policy
The embargo that‟s been imposed for decades is now codified in legislation
As these changes unfold, I look forward to engaging Congress in an honest and serious
116 debate about lifting the embargo
Yesterday, I spoke with Raul Castro to finalize Alan Gross‟s release and the exchange
118 of prisoners, and to describe how we will move forward I made clear my strong belief
119 that Cuban society is constrained by restrictions on its citizens
In addition to the return of Alan Gross and the release of our intelligence agent, we
121 welcome Cuba‟s decision to release a substantial number of prisoners whose cases
122 were directly raised with the Cuban government by my team
We welcome Cuba‟s decision to provide more access to the Internet for its
124 citizens, and to continue increasing engagement with international institutions like the
United Nations and the International Committee of the Red Cross that promote
But I‟m under no illusion about the continued barriers to freedom that remain for
The United States believes that no Cubans should face harassment or arrest or beatings
130 simply because they‟re exercising a universal right to have their voices heard, and we
131 will continue to support civil society there
While Cuba has made reforms to gradually open up its economy, we continue to
133 believe that Cuban workers should be free to form unions, just as their citizens should
134 be free to participate in the political process
Moreover, given Cuba‟s history, I expect it will continue to pursue foreign policies that
136 will at times be sharply at odds with American interests
I do not expect the changes I am announcing today to bring about a transformation of
Cuban society overnight But I am convinced that through a policy of engagement, we
139 can more effectively stand up for our values and help the Cuban people help
140 themselves as they move into the 21st century
To those who oppose the steps I‟m announcing today, let me say that I respect your
142 passion and share your commitment to liberty and democracy
The question is how we uphold that commitment
I do not believe we can keep doing the same thing for over five decades and expect a
Moreover, it does not serve America‟s interests, or the Cuban people, to try to push
Even if that worked and it hasn‟t for 50 years we know from hard-earned
149 experience that countries are more likely to enjoy lasting transformation if their people
150 are not subjected to chaos
We are calling on Cuba to unleash the potential of 11 million Cubans by ending
152 unnecessary restrictions on their political, social, and economic activities
In that spirit, we should not allow U.S sanctions to add to the burden of Cuban citizens
154 that we seek to help
To the Cuban people, America extends a hand of friendship
Some of you have looked to us as a source of hope, and we will continue to shine a
Others have seen us as a former colonizer intent on controlling your future
José Martí once said, “Liberty is the right of every man to be honest.”
Today, I am being honest with you
We can never erase the history between us, but we believe that you should be
162 empowered to live with dignity and self-determination
Cubans have a saying about daily life: “No es facil” it‟s not easy
Today, the United States wants to be a partner in making the lives of ordinary Cubans a
165 little bit easier, more free, more prosperous
To those who have supported these measures, I thank you for being partners in our
In particular, I want to thank His Holiness Pope Francis, whose moral example shows
169 us the importance of pursuing the world as it should be, rather than simply settling for
170 the world as it is; the government of Canada, which hosted our discussions with the
Cuban government; and a bipartisan group of congressmen who have worked tirelessly
172 for Alan Gross‟s release, and for a new approach to advancing our interests and values
Finally, our shift in policy towards Cuba comes at a moment of renewed leadership in
This April, we are prepared to have Cuba join the other nations of the hemisphere
177 at the Summit of the Americas But we will insist that civil society join us so that
178 citizens, not just leaders, are shaping our future
And I call on all of my fellow leaders to give meaning to the commitment to
180 democracy and human rights at the heart of the Inter-American Charter
Let us leave behind the legacy of both colonization and communism, the tyranny of
182 drug cartels, dictators and sham elections
A future of greater peace, security and democratic development is possible if we work
184 together not to maintain power, not to secure vested interest, but instead to advance
185 the dreams of our citizens
My fellow Americans, the city of Miami is only 200 miles or so from Havana
Countless thousands of Cubans have come to Miami on planes and makeshift rafts;
188 some with little but the shirt on their back and hope in their hearts
Today, Miami is often referred to as the capital of Latin America
But it is also a profoundly American city a place that reminds us that ideals matter
191 more than the color of our skin, or the circumstances of our birth; a demonstration of
192 what the Cuban people can achieve, and the openness of the United States to our family
Change is hard in our own lives, and in the lives of nations
And change is even harder when we carry the heavy weight of history on our
197 shoulders But today we are making these changes because it is the right thing to do
Today, America chooses to cut loose the shackles of the past so as to reach for a better
199 future for the Cuban people, for the American people, for our entire hemisphere, and
God bless you and God bless the United States of America
Appendix 2 Transitivity analysis in detail
1 the United States of America Actor is changing Material
3 We Actor will end Material
4 Actor has failed to advance Material
5 We Actor will begin to normalize
6 We Actor intend to create Material
9 Fidel Castro Actor Took Material
10 Which Actor tried to overthrow Material
11 the relationship between our countries
12 We Goal are separated Material
13 an ideological and economic barrier
15 the Cuban exile community in the United States
18 All of this Actor Bound Material
19 the United States Actor has supported Material
20 We Actor have done Material
20 Actor aimed to isolate Material
22 Americans Actor can enjoy Material
23 this policy Goal has been rooted Material
23 no other nation Actor Joins Material
24 It Carrier has had Relational
25 Cuba Goal is still governed Material
Goal are well served Material
28 most of us Carrier Were Relational
29 we Carrier have had Relational
29 a far larger country Actor Governed Material
32 I Actor promised to re- examine
33 Actor to travel and send Material
34 These changes Sensor Seem Mental
35 Cuban Americans Goal have been reunited Material
39 I Goal have been prepared to take
39 a major obstacle Actor Stood Material
41 my administration Actor has held Material
43 His Holiness Pope Francis Actor Issued Material
44 Actor urging us to resolve Material
45 Goal have been jailed Material
47 Alan Goal was released Material
50 the United States Carrier has ever had Relational
50 who Goal has been imprisoned Material
51 This man, whose sacrifice Sensor has been known Mental
52 Actor allowed us to arrest Material
53 This man Carrier Is Relational
56 I Actor Am now taking steps to place
57 Actor to immediately begin Material
58 Goal have been severed Material
59 the United States Actor will reestablish Material
60 high-ranking officials Actor will visit Material
61 we Actor can advance Material
62 we Sensor have seen Mental
64 his work Actor Helped Material
65 Cuba Actor has sent Material
66 American and Cuban health care workers
68 we Actor will raise Material
68 we Actor will continue to do Material
69 we Actor can do Material
70 these 50 years Actor have shown Material
71 isolation Actor has not worked Material
73 This review Goal will be guided Material
73 Terrorism Actor has changed Material
74 we Actor are focused Material
75 the use of terrorism Actor should not face Material
77 We Actor are taking steps to increase
80 it Carrier will be Relational
81 Americans Actor will be able to use Material
83 this contact Actor will ultimately do more to empower
84 more resources Actor should be able to reach Material
84-85 We Actor ‟re significantly increasing
85 Goal can be sent Material
88 American businesses Goal should not be put Material
88-89 increased commerce Carrier Is Relational
89 we Actor will facilitate Material
90-91 U.S financial institutions Goal will be allowed to Material open
91 it Carrier will be Relational
93 our sanctions on Cuba Actor have denied Material
96 Businesses Actor will be able to sell Material
99 that‟s been imposed Goal ‟s been imposed Material
99 Goal is now codified Material
102 We Actor will move Material
103 Cuban society Goal is constrained Material
105 whose cases Goal were directly raised Material
111 The United States Sensor Believes Mental
111 no Cubans Actor should face Material
112 They Actor ‟re exercising Material
113 we Actor will continue to support
113 Cuba Actor has made Material
114 Actor to gradually open Material
114 we Sensor continue to believe Mental
114 Cuban workers Carrier should be Relational
115 their citizens Actor should be free to participate
117 it Actor will continue to pursue Material
118 Carrier will at times be Relational
118 I Sensor do not expect Mental
119 Actor to bring about Material
120 we Actor can more effectively stand up
121 they Actor move into Material
123 The question Carrier is Relational
124 I Sensor do not believe Mental
124 We Actor can keep doing Material
125 it Actor does not serve Material
126 Actor to try to push Material
128 their people Goal are not subjected Material
128 We Behaver are calling Behavioral
130 we Actor should not allow Material
131 we Actor seek to help Material
132 Some of you Actor have looked to Material
133 we Actor will continue to shine Material
133 Others Sensor have seen Mental
We Actor can never erase Material
136 you Goal should be empowered to live
138 the United States Carrier wants to be Relational
140 To those who Actor have supported Material
141 I Actor want to thank Material
142 whose moral example Actor Shows Material
142 it Carrier should be Relational
147 our shift in policy towards
148 we Goal are prepared to have Material
149 we Actor will insist Material
149 civil society Actor Join Material
157 the city of Miami Carrier Is Relational
Actor have come to Material
159 Miami Goal is often referred to Material
162 what the Cuban people Actor can achieve Material
165 we Actor are making Material
166 America Actor chooses to cut Material
Appendix 3 Thematic analysis in detail
3 In the most significant changes in our policy in more than fifty years
11 Over the next several decades 12 +
15 An ideological and economic barrier 15 -
34 Consider that for more than 35 years 34 +
50 A younger generation of Cuban Americans 44 -
59 Separately, in exchange for the three Cuban agents 58 +
63 Having recovered these two men who sacrificed for our country 65 +
In addition to the return of Alan Gross and the release of our intelligence agent
128 To those who oppose the steps 145 +
148 To those who have supported these measures 171 +
153 Our shift in policy towards Cuba 199 -
160 A future of greater peace, security and democratic development 188 +
Today, the United States of America is changing its relationship with the people of Cuba
In a landmark shift in policy that marks the most significant change in over fifty years, we will abandon an outdated approach that has long hindered our interests Instead, we are committed to normalizing relations between our two countries, aiming to create new opportunities for collaboration and mutual benefit.
American and Cuban people, and begin a new chapter among the nations of the Americas
Background of the past policy (to make a case for changes) o Failure of the past policy
3 There‟s a complicated history between the United
I was born in 1961 – just over two years after Fidel
Castro took power in Cuba, and just a few months after the Bay of Pigs invasion, which tried to overthrow his regime
For decades, the relationship between our nations unfolded amid the Cold War, characterized by America's unwavering stance against communism Despite being just over 90 miles apart, an ideological and economic divide increasingly solidified between us year after year.
Background of the past policy: o Failure of the past policy
4 Meanwhile, the Cuban exile community in the
United States made enormous contributions to our country in politics and business, culture and sports
Like immigrants before, Cubans helped remake
America, even as they felt a painful yearning for the land and families they left behind All of this bound
America and Cuba in a unique relationship, at once family and foe
Background of the past policy: o Failure of the past policy
5 Proudly, the United States has supported democracy and human rights in Cuba through these five decades
We have done so primarily through policies that aimed to isolate the island, preventing the most basic travel and commerce that Americans can enjoy anyplace else
Background of the past policy: o Failure of the past policy
Despite being founded on good intentions, the sanctions imposed by the U.S have not garnered support from other nations and have largely failed to impact the Cuban government Instead, these measures have allowed the Cuban regime to justify its restrictions on the populace As a result, Cuba continues to be ruled by the Castro family and the Communist Party that has been in power for over fifty years.
Background for the past policy: o Failure of the past policy
A rigid policy based on historical events from over 35 years ago fails to benefit both the American and Cuban people It is essential to recognize that many individuals today were not alive during those events, highlighting the need for a more flexible approach to U.S.-Cuba relations that reflects current realities and fosters mutual understanding.
China a far larger country also governed by a
Nearly two decades ago, we reestablished relations with Vietnam, where we fought a war that claimed more Americans than any Cold War confrontation
Background for the past policy: o Failure of the past policy
Upon taking office, I committed to reevaluating our Cuba policy, beginning with the removal of restrictions for Cuban Americans regarding travel and remittances to their families in Cuba What was once a contentious issue now appears to be a clear and necessary step forward.
Americans have successfully reunited with their families, serving as strong ambassadors for our values This interaction has prompted a younger generation of Cuban Americans to increasingly challenge the traditional approach that isolates Cuba from the global community.
For an extended period, I have been ready to take further action; however, a significant barrier has hindered our progress—the unjust imprisonment of Alan Gross, a U.S citizen and USAID sub-contractor, who has been held in Cuba for five years.
Over many months, my administration has held discussions with the Cuban government about Alan‟s case, and other aspects of our relationship His
Pope Francis made a personal appeal to both myself and Cuba's President Raul Castro, urging us to find a resolution for Alan's case Additionally, he highlighted Cuba's interest in the release of three Cuban agents who have been imprisoned in the United States for more than 15 years.
Alan has finally reunited with his family after being released by the Cuban government on humanitarian grounds In a separate agreement, Cuba also freed a significant U.S intelligence agent who had been imprisoned for nearly twenty years, in exchange for three Cuban agents.
A heroic individual, whose contributions have remained largely unrecognized, played a crucial role in providing vital intelligence that led to the apprehension of a network of Cuban agents, including those recently transferred to Cuba, as well as other spies operating within the United States This brave man is now safely on American soil.
11 Having recovered these two men who sacrificed for our country, I‟m now taking steps to place the interests of the people of both countries at the heart of our policy
12 First, I‟ve instructed Secretary Kerry to immediately begin discussions with Cuba to reestablish diplomatic relations that have been severed since
January of 1961 Going forward, the United States will reestablish an embassy in Havana, and high- ranking officials will visit Cuba
We will continue to advance shared interests in areas such as health, migration, counterterrorism, drug trafficking, and disaster response Historical cooperation between our countries has proven beneficial, exemplified by Cuban scientist Carlos Finlay's discovery of the link between mosquitoes and yellow fever, which aided Walter Reed in combating the disease Additionally, Cuba has contributed significantly by sending hundreds of healthcare workers to Africa to assist in fighting health crises.
Ebola, and I believe American and Cuban health care workers should work side by side to stop the spread of this deadly disease
14 Now, where we disagree, we will raise those differences directly as we will continue to do on issues related to democracy and human rights in
Cuba has faced decades of isolation, which has proven ineffective in supporting its people or promoting democratic values It is essential to adopt a new approach that emphasizes engagement and collaboration, allowing us to better assist the Cuban population and advance our shared ideals.
Failure of the past policy Need for changes
15 Second, I‟ve instructed Secretary Kerry to review
Cuba‟s designation as a State Sponsor of Terrorism
This review will be guided by the facts and the law
Terrorism has evolved significantly over the past few decades While our attention is often directed towards threats from groups like al Qaeda and ISIL, it is important to recognize that a nation which meets our criteria and renounces terrorism should not be subjected to sanctions.
16 Third, we are taking steps to increase travel, commerce, and the flow of information to and from
Cuba This is fundamentally about freedom and openness, and also expresses my belief in the power of people-to-people engagement With the changes
I‟m announcing today, it will be easier for Americans to travel to Cuba, and Americans will be able to use
American credit and debit cards on the island
Nobody represents America‟s values better than the
American people, and I believe this contact will ultimately do more to empower the Cuban people
17 I also believe that more resources should be able to reach the Cuban people So we‟re significantly increasing the amount of money that can be sent to
Cuba, and removing limits on remittances that support humanitarian projects, the Cuban people, and the emerging Cuban private sector
18 I believe that American businesses should not be put at a disadvantage, and that increased commerce is good for
Americans and for Cubans So we will facilitate authorized transactions between the United States and
Cuba U.S financial institutions will be allowed to open accounts at Cuban financial institutions
And it will be easier for U.S exporters to sell goods in
19 I believe in the free flow of information
Unfortunately, our sanctions on Cuba have denied
Cubans access to technology that has empowered individuals around the globe
So I‟ve authorized increased telecommunications connections between the United States and Cuba
Businesses will be able to sell goods that enable
Cubans to communicate with the United States and other countries
20 These are the steps that I can take as President to change this policy The embargo that‟s been imposed for decades is now codified in legislation
As these changes unfold, I look forward to engaging Congress in an honest and serious debate about lifting the embargo
21 Yesterday, I spoke with Raul Castro to finalize Alan