Authors: Aye Pa Pa Myo, Liping Chen
Abstract: This study aims to explore categories of linguistic choices in Trump’s Inaugural Speech that mirror ideological stance and power relations within political discourse. The study employs a mixed quantitative-qualitative research approach, drawing on Systemic Functional Linguistics (SFL) and the Appraisal Framework to analyze how Trump’s speech constructs and reinforces ideological stances and power relations through linguistic choices. Appraisal Theory (AT) provides a robust framework for examining resources related to attitudes (affect, judgement, appreciation), engagement strategies (dialogic contraction/expansion), and graduation mechanisms (force/focus). By examining these resources, the study reveals how Trump strategically uses persuasive language to mobilize support, assert authority, and frame political narratives. Findings indicate that Trump’s persuasive language, characterized by direct address and analyzed using the Appraisal Model, is influential and powerful in capturing the attention and approval of the American public for his political victory. Future research could further explore his ideological stance and power relations by utilizing digitalization techniques in a more modern context.
