BASIC EMOTIONS IN THE 2008 US PRESIDENTIAL DEBATES: WHAT AND HOW

Yusrita Yanti

doi:10.37301/culingua.v2i3.97

Abstract

The present study investigates the basic emotions in the 2008 US Presidential Debates. Basic emotions refer to the emotional state or the strong feeling that is revealed through word use. In the presidential debates, each candidate conveyed ideas, information, and criticisms, and they also proposed a number of programs in the debates. In the delivery of the ideas, emotions accompany the speakers’ opinions. The emotions of the candidates were depicted in the words used. Such emotions can be a reflection of personal, group, and/or societal emotions as a result of an evaluation of social phenomena, situations, and conditions faced by people in society. Data used in this study were taken from three transcripts of the presidential debates between Democratic candidate Barrack Obama and his Republican opponent John McCain. All data were classified in terms of literal and non-literal expressions and analyzed comprehensively by using cognitive appraisal theory and other related theories that can be expanded in terms of basic emotion framework, function, value, and politeness framework. From the data analysis, the various emotions were verbalized through literal words or using vocabulary for emotion, figurative languages such as metaphor, personification, and irony/sarcasm; repetition of the same words, phrases, clauses/lexical bundles; and rhetorical questions. These words show how the expression of emotions reflects the function and values. This study is useful for improving communication skills to construct a polite, dynamic, and colorful speech.

Highlights

IntroductionBasic emotions expressed can be regarded as an important part of forming interpersonal relationships and build ‘self-image’ through the choice of words, positive (polite) or negative (rude words/impolite)
Basic emotions expressed can be regarded as an important part of forming interpersonal relationships and build ‘self-image’ through the choice of words, positive or negative
There is no difference between affect, emotion, and mood as other researchers do because this study focuses on ‘words reflecting all strong feelings or emotions

Summary

Introduction

Basic emotions expressed can be regarded as an important part of forming interpersonal relationships and build ‘self-image’ through the choice of words, positive (polite) or negative (rude words/impolite). The way in which someone expresses his emotion can build a good relationship or destroy it. In political discourse such as debates during the presidential election, each candidate conveyed ideas, information, and criticisms, and they proposed a number of programs. In the delivery of the ideas, emotions accompany their opinions. The emotions of the candidates were depicted in the words used. The candidates tried to attract the audiences’ attention and to convince the public that one of them was the best candidate

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion