A Semantic-Pragmatic Analysis of Nationalistic Discourse in Donald Trump’s Speeches

Abstract

This research explores the nationalistic discourse in Donald Trump's speeches, focusing on the micro and macro levels of language. Nationalist discourse is a form of communication that uses silences to shape specific subjects, such as Trump's speeches, which often emphasize the culture, identity, and interest of one nation versus another. The study investigates Trump's language through different linguistic strategies such as modality, lexicalization, and ideological framing to show how his linguistic strategies reflect nationalistic outlooks. It investigates how Trump's language of self-assurance, anger, and cultural framing fosters cohesion among supporters while producing internal conflict. The research aims to answer questions about how Trump's modality in his speeches reflects his certainty and authority in promoting a nationalistic agenda, how lexical choices facilitate the construction of an "us vs. them" dichotomy, and how Trump uses strategies to reinforce political polarization. The findings of this research shows that Donald Trump employs nationalistic language in his speeches to mobilize audiences and unify identities. He uses high modality, lexicalisation, and ideological framing to distinguish between "us" and "them," emphasizing American exceptionalism and unity among supporters. Trump uses cultural symbols and historical references to reinforce American identity and belonging, and uses loaded language to deepen the divide between supporters and enemies. This study underscores the importance of better perceptiveness about language as a tool in political discourse, as it can bring people together and divide them based on imagined identities