Expressives in the speeches of Chinese-speaking And English-speaking politicians

Abstract

The aim of the article is to investigate and compare the use of expressives in the speeches of Chinese-speaking and English-speaking politicians. The relevance is driven by the necessity to analyze the means of expressing emotions and their impact on the audience in order to accurately interpret politicians’ speeches and understand their intentions, thus preempting potential manipulations. The objectives of this research are to: examine the concepts of “discourse,” “political discourse,” and “expressive”; analyze expressives in the speeches of Chinese-speaking and English-speaking politicians and compare them; systematize expressives; develop a classification of linguistic means for expressing emotions. The object of the study is political discourse. The subject of the study is expressives in the speeches of English-speaking and Chinese-speaking politicians. The article discusses expressiveness of speech behavior and use of speech attacks employed by English-speaking and Chinese-speaking politicians in their speeches. The research revealed significant differences in the expressives of speech etiquette. It is noted that English-speaking politicians, compared to Chinese-speaking ones, adhere less to the official-business style. Chinese-speaking politicians tend to show more respect towards the audience. As a result, there are different means of influence: English-speaking politicians thus “connect” with the people, while Chinese-speaking politicians demonstrate respect, highlighting the dissimilarity in people’s values. Similarity in the use of expressives was also noted, particularly in politely expressing dissatisfaction, highlighting the success of their state, and expressing faith in a better future