Use of Rhetoric and Metaphorical Expressions in Jordanian Political Discourse (Speeches): An Exploratory Study

Abstract

This research analyzes the impact of the use of rhetoric and metaphorical expressions in Jordanian political discourse on its audience. This research is a sociological study of King Abdullah II’s speeches using Foucauldian discourse analysis. The aim of this research is to highlight how with the change in audience King’s rhetoric also undergoes a change. For this purpose, many of king’s speeches have been considered to highlight his demeanor and rhetoric as a national and regional leader as well as a representative of the Middle Eastern cause in front of the Western giants. In addition to this, the research also highlights how the rhetoric and metaphorical expressions used by the king contribute to creating as well as imposing the Jordanian identity. This research is significant in highlighting the psychological impact of the stature of the audience on the manipulative rhetoric of a king. This research concludes that the use of rhetoric and metaphorical expressions in Jordanian political discourse is a deliberate strategy by the state to keep its subjects under control. Also, several metaphors used by the king in his speeches instill in his people a sense of duty towards their state. In this way, the state successfully uses soft power to control its masses.