Abstract
The paper is concerned with analysis of Donald Trump and Angela Merkel’s speeches to their respective nations on the occasion of the COVID-19 outbreak. Within the integrated cognitive-critical approach to discourse analysis framework the paper focuses on the interplay between the cognitive mechanisms and discursive structures that make up meanings in a genre of political discourse. Assuming that specific actions and measures are to be communicated so as to deal with the threat presented by the coronavirus, analysis of the cognitive dimension of language use focuses on the underlying force (linguistically articulated by way of modal verbs) and containment image schemas considered as indicative of the ways the speakers conceive of the power vested in them. The political dimension analysis focuses on pronominal forms as discourse structures establishing relationships with addressees. The results point to D. Trump’s self-representation of the protector of nation unlike A. Merkel’s encouragement of solidarity empowered by knowledge-based joint actions and behaviour. 
 
 <p> </p><p><strong> Article visualizations:</strong></p><p><img src="/-counters-/edu_01/0741/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /></p>
Highlights
Within the integrated cognitive-critical approach to discourse analysis framework, the paper is concerned with analysis of the use of language by USA President Donald Trump and German Chancellor Angela Merkel (English version at: https://www.general-anzeiger-bonn.de/gaenglish/news/angela-merkel-s-speech-about-the-corona-virus-in-full_aid-49639811) in their speeches to their respective nations on the occasion of the COVID-19 outbreak
Under the assumption that specific measures are to be communicated in the speeches so as to deal with the threat presented by the coronavirus, particular focus is placed on the underlying, nonpropositional image-schematic structuring of experience of force articulated linguistically by way of modal verbs in conveying the (COVID-19) pandemics related obligation, permission, request, or possibility of actions and behaviour
Analysis of the speeches delivered by the US President Donald Trump and German Chancellor Angela Merkel to their respective nations on the occasion of the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemics is done separately comprising the analysis of cognitive dimension of language use, which focuses on image-schemas and therewith grounded conceptual metaphors and frames, and the political dimension concerned with the discursive aspects of the speeches
Summary
Critical Discourse Analysis: The Critical Study of Language. Texts and Practices: Readings in Critical Discourse Analysis: 3-15. London and New York: Routledge Hart C, 2005. Analyzing Political Discourse: Toward a Cognitive Approach. Critical Discourse Analysis and Cognitive Science: New Perspectives on Immigration Discourse. Chicago and London: The University of Chicago Press. The Politics of Fear: What Right-Wing Populist Discourses Mean.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
