Luận văn using debates topics to increase students’ participation in english classes at national economic technical college

Scope of the study The analysis of the "Finesl hour” speech of Winston Churchill ts restricled to the transoript of the speech and the social context when the speech was presented.. Sco

VIETNAM NATIONAL UNIVERSITY, HANOI UNIVERSITY OF LANGUAGES & INTERNATIONAL STUDIES

FACULTY OF POST GRADUATE STUDIES

NGUYÊN THỊ PHƯƠNG MAI

A CRITICAL DISCOLRSE ANALYSIS OF “FINEST HOUR” SPEKCH

BY SIR WINSTON CITURCIILL

(Phân tích diễn ngôn phê phán bài phat biéu “Finest hour”

của Sir Winston Churchill)

M.A TITESIS PROGRAMME I

: English Linguistics : 8220201.01

Hanoi - 2019

VIETNAM NATIONAL UNIVERSITY, IIANOI UNIVERSITY OF LANGUAGES & INTERNATIONAL STUDIES

FACULTY OF POST GRADUATE STUDIES

NGUYEN THI PHUGNG MAI

A CRITICAL DISCOURSE ANALYSIS OF “FINEST HOUR” SPEECH

BY SIR WINSTON CHURCHILL

(Phân tích diễn ngôn phê phán bài phát biểu “Kinest hour”

của Sir Winston Churchill}

M.A THESIS PROGRAMME L

Field : English Linguistics Code : 8220201.0L

Supervisor : Prof.Dr Nguyễn Liòa

Hanni - 2019

DECLARATION

Thereby certify that I am the sole authar of this thesis and that no part of this thesis

‘bas been published or submitted for publication

T certify thal, to the best of my knowledge, my thesis dacs nol infringe upon anyone’s copyright nor violate any proprietary rights and that any ideas, techniques, quotations, or any other material from the work of other people included in my

thesis, published or otherwise, are fully acknowledged in accordance with the standard referencing practices

J declare that this is a true copy of my dissertations, including any final revisions, as approved by ty thesis commilice and the Post Graduate Studies office and that this thesis has not been submitted for a higher degree to any other University or

Institution

Hanoi, 2019

Neuyén Thi Phương Mai

defending exalted Iman values’ Livery speech he made is a masterpiece in thetoric "Finest hour" is a speech delivered by Churchill on June 18, 1940, during

one of the lowest and most uncertain moments of the Second World War The

speech was made, first to the Parliament and then over the radio to the nation,

‘become one of the most celebrated one of the war and his career

Due to the huge linguistic, social and historical impact it brings forth, many writings discussing this speech Ilowever, as far as I am concerned, there has not

any scientific wriling concer investigaling the speech from CDA perspective,

which urges the author to conduct this researched entitled: A crifical discourse

analysis of “Iinest hour” speech by Sir Winston Churchill

1.2 Scope of the study

The analysis of the "Finesl hour” speech of Winston Churchill ts restricled to the

transoript of the speech and the social context when the speech was presented Thus,

paralinguistics (intonation, speed, loudness, etc) and extra linguistics (facial

expressions, cye contact, gestures, cic), despite their significant roles in delivering the speaker's message, are not taken into consideration

Moreover, within the scope of an MA thesis, not all of the linguistic features are investigated In other words, only salient aspects of the speech are examined

Finally, the thesis will be conducted for the academic purpose only and has no relation

to any party’s support ‘The researcher's political view is also ignored in this study

1.3 Objectives of the study

By analyzing Churchill’s speech in the light of CDA, the study aims to discover the ideological traits in Churchill’s specch from linguistics features, uncover he way he encouraged people and persuaded them to believe in his ideas and solutions, how

his language in the speech impacted listeners in the United Kingdom, which led to

stronger British’ resolve and willingness to fight

To reach these aims above, two research questions are answered

- What are Churchill's ideologies constructed in the speech?

- Haw are they manifested linguistically?

defending exalted Iman values’ Livery speech he made is a masterpiece in thetoric "Finest hour" is a speech delivered by Churchill on June 18, 1940, during

one of the lowest and most uncertain moments of the Second World War The

speech was made, first to the Parliament and then over the radio to the nation,

‘become one of the most celebrated one of the war and his career

Due to the huge linguistic, social and historical impact it brings forth, many writings discussing this speech Ilowever, as far as I am concerned, there has not

any scientific wriling concer investigaling the speech from CDA perspective,

which urges the author to conduct this researched entitled: A crifical discourse

analysis of “Iinest hour” speech by Sir Winston Churchill

1.2 Scope of the study

The analysis of the "Finesl hour” speech of Winston Churchill ts restricled to the

transoript of the speech and the social context when the speech was presented Thus,

paralinguistics (intonation, speed, loudness, etc) and extra linguistics (facial

expressions, cye contact, gestures, cic), despite their significant roles in delivering the speaker's message, are not taken into consideration

Moreover, within the scope of an MA thesis, not all of the linguistic features are investigated In other words, only salient aspects of the speech are examined

Finally, the thesis will be conducted for the academic purpose only and has no relation

to any party’s support ‘The researcher's political view is also ignored in this study

1.3 Objectives of the study

By analyzing Churchill’s speech in the light of CDA, the study aims to discover the ideological traits in Churchill’s specch from linguistics features, uncover he way he encouraged people and persuaded them to believe in his ideas and solutions, how

his language in the speech impacted listeners in the United Kingdom, which led to

stronger British’ resolve and willingness to fight

To reach these aims above, two research questions are answered

- What are Churchill's ideologies constructed in the speech?

- Haw are they manifested linguistically?

ABSTRACT

Politicians and oraters employ words as weapons in order to exert

ideological control and make an audience believe something in an ostensive way Ln this regard, this study attempted to discover the connection between language,

power embraced in “Fines! hour” speech by Sir Winston Churchill on June 18%,

1940, a crucial period for the outcome of the Second World War Based on a brief

overview of oritical discourse analysis provided by Norman Fairclough, the study followed a framework with three stages) Description, Tnlerpretation, and Explanation It focused on the analysis of language features, the relationship

‘between situational and intertextual context, and the discourse process and social

process The resulls obiained support the idea thal Churchill's skifful use of

language is closely connected with his overall political goals of instilling courage,

inspiring confidence and spark the vational pride in his fellow countrymen in such

difficult times for Britain as those of war against powerful Nazi Germany, and the

fascism in general

Keywords: Critical discourse analysis, political discourse, speech, ideology, language

iit

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION This chapier presents the rationale of the study, research objectives, research

questions, research scope, research sigmificance and research methodology which includes the analytical framework and the data collected

1.1 Rationalc

Since the prehistoric era of human beings, the need for communication early arose

and the system of communication before anything else is language There are numerous theories about the origin of language: the divine source, the natural sound

source, the social interaction source, (he physical adaption source, the tool-making,

source, the genetic source Yet, the primary purpose of language still the same

communication

As human beings continously evolve, they utilize language in an intentional and more sophisticated way Language not only simply holds its initial funotion -

communication but also is meant to represent ideologies and practice power As

Vairclough (2001) stated, "exercise of power is increasingly achieved through ideology particularly through the working of language" Conceming this issue, crilical discourse analysis has cmnerged as a major multidisciplinary approach Lo

"show how discourse is shaped by relations of power and ideologies, and the

constructive effects discourse has upon social identities, social relations and the

syslem of knowledge and belic!™ (Fairclough, 1992b)

Since CDA‘s important interest is "the way social and political domination are produced in text and lalk", numerous speeches or rhetorical talks of professional

politicians have been analyzed CDA is asserted to be an effective tool to discover

the power and ideology hidden in political discourse Winston Churchill is one of the most influential Prome Minislers in Britam's hislory Besides the skillful mihtary

tactics and effective leadership which led Britain to the victory in the Second World

War, Churelill is also well-known for his professional language compelence He

was the only prime minister awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1953 “for his

mastery of historical and biographical description as well as for brilliant oratory in

1.2 Scope of the StUMY sesesnenninnneneneeminnnsnn 2

1.4 Significance of the study enssssunenenmennees sả

1.5.1 Analyical ñameWOIk -eeeeieeoroo

CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW & THEORETICAL BACKGROUND

2.5.1 Wodak’s discourse-historical Approach 12 2.5.2 Van Dijk’s socio-cognitive Approach - 13 2.5.3, Nonman Fairclough’s dialectical - relational approach 14

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION This chapier presents the rationale of the study, research objectives, research

questions, research scope, research sigmificance and research methodology which includes the analytical framework and the data collected

1.1 Rationalc

Since the prehistoric era of human beings, the need for communication early arose

and the system of communication before anything else is language There are numerous theories about the origin of language: the divine source, the natural sound

source, the social interaction source, (he physical adaption source, the tool-making,

source, the genetic source Yet, the primary purpose of language still the same

communication

As human beings continously evolve, they utilize language in an intentional and more sophisticated way Language not only simply holds its initial funotion -

communication but also is meant to represent ideologies and practice power As

Vairclough (2001) stated, "exercise of power is increasingly achieved through ideology particularly through the working of language" Conceming this issue, crilical discourse analysis has cmnerged as a major multidisciplinary approach Lo

"show how discourse is shaped by relations of power and ideologies, and the

constructive effects discourse has upon social identities, social relations and the

syslem of knowledge and belic!™ (Fairclough, 1992b)

Since CDA‘s important interest is "the way social and political domination are produced in text and lalk", numerous speeches or rhetorical talks of professional

politicians have been analyzed CDA is asserted to be an effective tool to discover

the power and ideology hidden in political discourse Winston Churchill is one of the most influential Prome Minislers in Britam's hislory Besides the skillful mihtary

tactics and effective leadership which led Britain to the victory in the Second World

War, Churelill is also well-known for his professional language compelence He

was the only prime minister awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1953 “for his

mastery of historical and biographical description as well as for brilliant oratory in

ABBREVIATIONS

CDA: e cal Discourse Analy

2.6 Review of previous studies - _

CHAPTER 3 METHODOILJOGY

3.1 Data - - - eee IY 3.2 Context of the specch - - 20 3.3 Analytical framework - - - cece Bl

APPENDIX

vi

ABBREVIATIONS

CDA: e cal Discourse Analy

ABBREVIATIONS

CDA: e cal Discourse Analy

2.6 Review of previous studies - _

CHAPTER 3 METHODOILJOGY

3.1 Data - - - eee IY 3.2 Context of the specch - - 20 3.3 Analytical framework - - - cece Bl

APPENDIX

vi

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION This chapier presents the rationale of the study, research objectives, research

questions, research scope, research sigmificance and research methodology which includes the analytical framework and the data collected

1.1 Rationalc

Since the prehistoric era of human beings, the need for communication early arose

and the system of communication before anything else is language There are numerous theories about the origin of language: the divine source, the natural sound

source, the social interaction source, (he physical adaption source, the tool-making,

source, the genetic source Yet, the primary purpose of language still the same

communication

As human beings continously evolve, they utilize language in an intentional and more sophisticated way Language not only simply holds its initial funotion -

communication but also is meant to represent ideologies and practice power As

Vairclough (2001) stated, "exercise of power is increasingly achieved through ideology particularly through the working of language" Conceming this issue, crilical discourse analysis has cmnerged as a major multidisciplinary approach Lo

"show how discourse is shaped by relations of power and ideologies, and the

constructive effects discourse has upon social identities, social relations and the

syslem of knowledge and belic!™ (Fairclough, 1992b)

Since CDA‘s important interest is "the way social and political domination are produced in text and lalk", numerous speeches or rhetorical talks of professional

politicians have been analyzed CDA is asserted to be an effective tool to discover

the power and ideology hidden in political discourse Winston Churchill is one of the most influential Prome Minislers in Britam's hislory Besides the skillful mihtary

tactics and effective leadership which led Britain to the victory in the Second World

War, Churelill is also well-known for his professional language compelence He

was the only prime minister awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1953 “for his

mastery of historical and biographical description as well as for brilliant oratory in

ABSTRACT

Politicians and oraters employ words as weapons in order to exert

ideological control and make an audience believe something in an ostensive way Ln this regard, this study attempted to discover the connection between language,

power embraced in “Fines! hour” speech by Sir Winston Churchill on June 18%,

1940, a crucial period for the outcome of the Second World War Based on a brief

overview of oritical discourse analysis provided by Norman Fairclough, the study followed a framework with three stages) Description, Tnlerpretation, and Explanation It focused on the analysis of language features, the relationship

‘between situational and intertextual context, and the discourse process and social

process The resulls obiained support the idea thal Churchill's skifful use of

language is closely connected with his overall political goals of instilling courage,

inspiring confidence and spark the vational pride in his fellow countrymen in such

difficult times for Britain as those of war against powerful Nazi Germany, and the

fascism in general

Keywords: Critical discourse analysis, political discourse, speech, ideology, language

iit

ABSTRACT

Politicians and oraters employ words as weapons in order to exert

ideological control and make an audience believe something in an ostensive way Ln this regard, this study attempted to discover the connection between language,

power embraced in “Fines! hour” speech by Sir Winston Churchill on June 18%,

1940, a crucial period for the outcome of the Second World War Based on a brief

overview of oritical discourse analysis provided by Norman Fairclough, the study followed a framework with three stages) Description, Tnlerpretation, and Explanation It focused on the analysis of language features, the relationship

‘between situational and intertextual context, and the discourse process and social

process The resulls obiained support the idea thal Churchill's skifful use of

language is closely connected with his overall political goals of instilling courage,

inspiring confidence and spark the vational pride in his fellow countrymen in such

difficult times for Britain as those of war against powerful Nazi Germany, and the

fascism in general

Keywords: Critical discourse analysis, political discourse, speech, ideology, language

iit

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION This chapier presents the rationale of the study, research objectives, research

questions, research scope, research sigmificance and research methodology which includes the analytical framework and the data collected

1.1 Rationalc

Since the prehistoric era of human beings, the need for communication early arose

and the system of communication before anything else is language There are numerous theories about the origin of language: the divine source, the natural sound

source, the social interaction source, (he physical adaption source, the tool-making,

source, the genetic source Yet, the primary purpose of language still the same

communication

As human beings continously evolve, they utilize language in an intentional and more sophisticated way Language not only simply holds its initial funotion -

communication but also is meant to represent ideologies and practice power As

Vairclough (2001) stated, "exercise of power is increasingly achieved through ideology particularly through the working of language" Conceming this issue, crilical discourse analysis has cmnerged as a major multidisciplinary approach Lo

"show how discourse is shaped by relations of power and ideologies, and the

constructive effects discourse has upon social identities, social relations and the

syslem of knowledge and belic!™ (Fairclough, 1992b)

Since CDA‘s important interest is "the way social and political domination are produced in text and lalk", numerous speeches or rhetorical talks of professional

politicians have been analyzed CDA is asserted to be an effective tool to discover

the power and ideology hidden in political discourse Winston Churchill is one of the most influential Prome Minislers in Britam's hislory Besides the skillful mihtary

tactics and effective leadership which led Britain to the victory in the Second World

War, Churelill is also well-known for his professional language compelence He

was the only prime minister awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1953 “for his

mastery of historical and biographical description as well as for brilliant oratory in

1.2 Scope of the StUMY sesesnenninnneneneeminnnsnn 2

1.4 Significance of the study enssssunenenmennees sả

1.5.1 Analyical ñameWOIk -eeeeieeoroo

CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW & THEORETICAL BACKGROUND

2.5.1 Wodak’s discourse-historical Approach 12 2.5.2 Van Dijk’s socio-cognitive Approach - 13 2.5.3, Nonman Fairclough’s dialectical - relational approach 14

ABSTRACT

Politicians and oraters employ words as weapons in order to exert

ideological control and make an audience believe something in an ostensive way Ln this regard, this study attempted to discover the connection between language,

power embraced in “Fines! hour” speech by Sir Winston Churchill on June 18%,

1940, a crucial period for the outcome of the Second World War Based on a brief

overview of oritical discourse analysis provided by Norman Fairclough, the study followed a framework with three stages) Description, Tnlerpretation, and Explanation It focused on the analysis of language features, the relationship

‘between situational and intertextual context, and the discourse process and social

process The resulls obiained support the idea thal Churchill's skifful use of

language is closely connected with his overall political goals of instilling courage,

inspiring confidence and spark the vational pride in his fellow countrymen in such

difficult times for Britain as those of war against powerful Nazi Germany, and the

fascism in general

Keywords: Critical discourse analysis, political discourse, speech, ideology, language

iit

1.2 Scope of the StUMY sesesnenninnneneneeminnnsnn 2

1.4 Significance of the study enssssunenenmennees sả

1.5.1 Analyical ñameWOIk -eeeeieeoroo

CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW & THEORETICAL BACKGROUND

2.5.1 Wodak’s discourse-historical Approach 12 2.5.2 Van Dijk’s socio-cognitive Approach - 13 2.5.3, Nonman Fairclough’s dialectical - relational approach 14

defending exalted Iman values’ Livery speech he made is a masterpiece in thetoric "Finest hour" is a speech delivered by Churchill on June 18, 1940, during

one of the lowest and most uncertain moments of the Second World War The

speech was made, first to the Parliament and then over the radio to the nation,

‘become one of the most celebrated one of the war and his career

Due to the huge linguistic, social and historical impact it brings forth, many writings discussing this speech Ilowever, as far as I am concerned, there has not

any scientific wriling concer investigaling the speech from CDA perspective,

which urges the author to conduct this researched entitled: A crifical discourse

analysis of “Iinest hour” speech by Sir Winston Churchill

1.2 Scope of the study

The analysis of the "Finesl hour” speech of Winston Churchill ts restricled to the

transoript of the speech and the social context when the speech was presented Thus,

paralinguistics (intonation, speed, loudness, etc) and extra linguistics (facial

expressions, cye contact, gestures, cic), despite their significant roles in delivering the speaker's message, are not taken into consideration

Moreover, within the scope of an MA thesis, not all of the linguistic features are investigated In other words, only salient aspects of the speech are examined

Finally, the thesis will be conducted for the academic purpose only and has no relation

to any party’s support ‘The researcher's political view is also ignored in this study

1.3 Objectives of the study

By analyzing Churchill’s speech in the light of CDA, the study aims to discover the ideological traits in Churchill’s specch from linguistics features, uncover he way he encouraged people and persuaded them to believe in his ideas and solutions, how

his language in the speech impacted listeners in the United Kingdom, which led to

stronger British’ resolve and willingness to fight

To reach these aims above, two research questions are answered

- What are Churchill's ideologies constructed in the speech?

- Haw are they manifested linguistically?

ABBREVIATIONS

CDA: e cal Discourse Analy

ABSTRACT

Politicians and oraters employ words as weapons in order to exert

ideological control and make an audience believe something in an ostensive way Ln this regard, this study attempted to discover the connection between language,

power embraced in “Fines! hour” speech by Sir Winston Churchill on June 18%,

1940, a crucial period for the outcome of the Second World War Based on a brief

overview of oritical discourse analysis provided by Norman Fairclough, the study followed a framework with three stages) Description, Tnlerpretation, and Explanation It focused on the analysis of language features, the relationship

‘between situational and intertextual context, and the discourse process and social

process The resulls obiained support the idea thal Churchill's skifful use of

language is closely connected with his overall political goals of instilling courage,

inspiring confidence and spark the vational pride in his fellow countrymen in such

difficult times for Britain as those of war against powerful Nazi Germany, and the

fascism in general

Keywords: Critical discourse analysis, political discourse, speech, ideology, language

iit

ABBREVIATIONS

CDA: e cal Discourse Analy

defending exalted Iman values’ Livery speech he made is a masterpiece in thetoric "Finest hour" is a speech delivered by Churchill on June 18, 1940, during

one of the lowest and most uncertain moments of the Second World War The

speech was made, first to the Parliament and then over the radio to the nation,

‘become one of the most celebrated one of the war and his career

Due to the huge linguistic, social and historical impact it brings forth, many writings discussing this speech Ilowever, as far as I am concerned, there has not

any scientific wriling concer investigaling the speech from CDA perspective,

which urges the author to conduct this researched entitled: A crifical discourse

analysis of “Iinest hour” speech by Sir Winston Churchill

1.2 Scope of the study

The analysis of the "Finesl hour” speech of Winston Churchill ts restricled to the

transoript of the speech and the social context when the speech was presented Thus,

paralinguistics (intonation, speed, loudness, etc) and extra linguistics (facial

expressions, cye contact, gestures, cic), despite their significant roles in delivering the speaker's message, are not taken into consideration

Moreover, within the scope of an MA thesis, not all of the linguistic features are investigated In other words, only salient aspects of the speech are examined

Finally, the thesis will be conducted for the academic purpose only and has no relation

to any party’s support ‘The researcher's political view is also ignored in this study

1.3 Objectives of the study

By analyzing Churchill’s speech in the light of CDA, the study aims to discover the ideological traits in Churchill’s specch from linguistics features, uncover he way he encouraged people and persuaded them to believe in his ideas and solutions, how

his language in the speech impacted listeners in the United Kingdom, which led to

stronger British’ resolve and willingness to fight

To reach these aims above, two research questions are answered

- What are Churchill's ideologies constructed in the speech?

- Haw are they manifested linguistically?

1.2 Scope of the StUMY sesesnenninnneneneeminnnsnn 2

1.4 Significance of the study enssssunenenmennees sả

1.5.1 Analyical ñameWOIk -eeeeieeoroo

CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW & THEORETICAL BACKGROUND

2.5.1 Wodak’s discourse-historical Approach 12 2.5.2 Van Dijk’s socio-cognitive Approach - 13 2.5.3, Nonman Fairclough’s dialectical - relational approach 14

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

My achievement in completing this thesis would not have becn possible without the people who were involved in this study To the following people who donated their

time and energy 1o this study, Tam grateful and thankful

First, I would like to offer my greatest appreciation to my supervisor, Professor Nguyễn Hòa His expertise and knowledge have guided me during the study He offered me his support which has bean especially helpful lo my academic work

Lalso would like to thank my classmates for their advice and assistance in keeping amy progress on schedule

My greal thank (ulness is also given to the teachers af Post Graduate Faculty Studies for their ideas to my paper and many thanks to my family and all my friends who have encouraged and helped me during the time of analyzing data, information for the study

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION This chapier presents the rationale of the study, research objectives, research

questions, research scope, research sigmificance and research methodology which includes the analytical framework and the data collected

1.1 Rationalc

Since the prehistoric era of human beings, the need for communication early arose

and the system of communication before anything else is language There are numerous theories about the origin of language: the divine source, the natural sound

source, the social interaction source, (he physical adaption source, the tool-making,

source, the genetic source Yet, the primary purpose of language still the same

communication

As human beings continously evolve, they utilize language in an intentional and more sophisticated way Language not only simply holds its initial funotion -

communication but also is meant to represent ideologies and practice power As

Vairclough (2001) stated, "exercise of power is increasingly achieved through ideology particularly through the working of language" Conceming this issue, crilical discourse analysis has cmnerged as a major multidisciplinary approach Lo

"show how discourse is shaped by relations of power and ideologies, and the

constructive effects discourse has upon social identities, social relations and the

syslem of knowledge and belic!™ (Fairclough, 1992b)

Since CDA‘s important interest is "the way social and political domination are produced in text and lalk", numerous speeches or rhetorical talks of professional

politicians have been analyzed CDA is asserted to be an effective tool to discover

the power and ideology hidden in political discourse Winston Churchill is one of the most influential Prome Minislers in Britam's hislory Besides the skillful mihtary

tactics and effective leadership which led Britain to the victory in the Second World

War, Churelill is also well-known for his professional language compelence He

was the only prime minister awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1953 “for his

mastery of historical and biographical description as well as for brilliant oratory in

1.2 Scope of the StUMY sesesnenninnneneneeminnnsnn 2

1.4 Significance of the study enssssunenenmennees sả

1.5.1 Analyical ñameWOIk -eeeeieeoroo

CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW & THEORETICAL BACKGROUND

2.5.1 Wodak’s discourse-historical Approach 12 2.5.2 Van Dijk’s socio-cognitive Approach - 13 2.5.3, Nonman Fairclough’s dialectical - relational approach 14

1.2 Scope of the StUMY sesesnenninnneneneeminnnsnn 2

1.4 Significance of the study enssssunenenmennees sả

1.5.1 Analyical ñameWOIk -eeeeieeoroo

CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW & THEORETICAL BACKGROUND

2.5.1 Wodak’s discourse-historical Approach 12 2.5.2 Van Dijk’s socio-cognitive Approach - 13 2.5.3, Nonman Fairclough’s dialectical - relational approach 14

ABSTRACT

Politicians and oraters employ words as weapons in order to exert

ideological control and make an audience believe something in an ostensive way Ln this regard, this study attempted to discover the connection between language,

power embraced in “Fines! hour” speech by Sir Winston Churchill on June 18%,

1940, a crucial period for the outcome of the Second World War Based on a brief

overview of oritical discourse analysis provided by Norman Fairclough, the study followed a framework with three stages) Description, Tnlerpretation, and Explanation It focused on the analysis of language features, the relationship

‘between situational and intertextual context, and the discourse process and social

process The resulls obiained support the idea thal Churchill's skifful use of

language is closely connected with his overall political goals of instilling courage,

inspiring confidence and spark the vational pride in his fellow countrymen in such

difficult times for Britain as those of war against powerful Nazi Germany, and the

fascism in general

Keywords: Critical discourse analysis, political discourse, speech, ideology, language

iit

2.6 Review of previous studies - _

CHAPTER 3 METHODOILJOGY

3.1 Data - - - eee IY 3.2 Context of the specch - - 20 3.3 Analytical framework - - - cece Bl

APPENDIX

vi

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION This chapier presents the rationale of the study, research objectives, research

questions, research scope, research sigmificance and research methodology which includes the analytical framework and the data collected

1.1 Rationalc

Since the prehistoric era of human beings, the need for communication early arose

and the system of communication before anything else is language There are numerous theories about the origin of language: the divine source, the natural sound

source, the social interaction source, (he physical adaption source, the tool-making,

source, the genetic source Yet, the primary purpose of language still the same

communication

As human beings continously evolve, they utilize language in an intentional and more sophisticated way Language not only simply holds its initial funotion -

communication but also is meant to represent ideologies and practice power As

Vairclough (2001) stated, "exercise of power is increasingly achieved through ideology particularly through the working of language" Conceming this issue, crilical discourse analysis has cmnerged as a major multidisciplinary approach Lo

"show how discourse is shaped by relations of power and ideologies, and the

constructive effects discourse has upon social identities, social relations and the

syslem of knowledge and belic!™ (Fairclough, 1992b)

Since CDA‘s important interest is "the way social and political domination are produced in text and lalk", numerous speeches or rhetorical talks of professional

politicians have been analyzed CDA is asserted to be an effective tool to discover

the power and ideology hidden in political discourse Winston Churchill is one of the most influential Prome Minislers in Britam's hislory Besides the skillful mihtary

tactics and effective leadership which led Britain to the victory in the Second World

War, Churelill is also well-known for his professional language compelence He

was the only prime minister awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1953 “for his

mastery of historical and biographical description as well as for brilliant oratory in

ABBREVIATIONS

CDA: e cal Discourse Analy

defending exalted Iman values’ Livery speech he made is a masterpiece in thetoric "Finest hour" is a speech delivered by Churchill on June 18, 1940, during

one of the lowest and most uncertain moments of the Second World War The

speech was made, first to the Parliament and then over the radio to the nation,

‘become one of the most celebrated one of the war and his career

Due to the huge linguistic, social and historical impact it brings forth, many writings discussing this speech Ilowever, as far as I am concerned, there has not

any scientific wriling concer investigaling the speech from CDA perspective,

which urges the author to conduct this researched entitled: A crifical discourse

analysis of “Iinest hour” speech by Sir Winston Churchill

1.2 Scope of the study

The analysis of the "Finesl hour” speech of Winston Churchill ts restricled to the

transoript of the speech and the social context when the speech was presented Thus,

paralinguistics (intonation, speed, loudness, etc) and extra linguistics (facial

expressions, cye contact, gestures, cic), despite their significant roles in delivering the speaker's message, are not taken into consideration

Moreover, within the scope of an MA thesis, not all of the linguistic features are investigated In other words, only salient aspects of the speech are examined

Finally, the thesis will be conducted for the academic purpose only and has no relation

to any party’s support ‘The researcher's political view is also ignored in this study

1.3 Objectives of the study

By analyzing Churchill’s speech in the light of CDA, the study aims to discover the ideological traits in Churchill’s specch from linguistics features, uncover he way he encouraged people and persuaded them to believe in his ideas and solutions, how

his language in the speech impacted listeners in the United Kingdom, which led to

stronger British’ resolve and willingness to fight

To reach these aims above, two research questions are answered

- What are Churchill's ideologies constructed in the speech?

- Haw are they manifested linguistically?

ABBREVIATIONS

CDA: e cal Discourse Analy