DISSEMINATION OR DYSFUNCTIONALITY OF DISCURSIVE PRACTICES IN THE POLITICAL MANIFESTO OF THE PTI

Abstract

This paper aims at analyzing political discourse with the help of critical discourse analysis. Its focus is on the use of language used to achieve dominance by the politicians to influence public opinion. Hence it explores the strategies and manipulation exercised through discourse and for this the political manifesto of Pakistan's third largest party known as Tehreek-e-Insaf has been analyzed. This study examines the Election Manifesto of PTI preceding 2013 General Elections. The purpose to apply CDA is to uncover hidden socio-political issues and agenda behind the language used in political discourse. The data analysis indicates that the PTI has used the same kind of words as are used by other politicians to make promises before elections. However, some of their ideas are really new and revolutionary like setting up of a 'Modern Islamic State' and unlike research done by other researchers in the past this study shows that language is not always used to manipulate, and words are not always used to deceive. The awareness brought through this study would empower the readers and language users to analyze the discourse beyond the surface level to get a deeper understanding of how can be used in a positive way. Keywords: discourse, political discourse, critical discourse analysis, discursivity, political manifesto, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf