The Power of Oxymoron: An Analytical Study of Oxymoron in Political Speeches

Abstract

The present study carries out the linguistic analysis of oxymoron in political speech, which is a rhetorical device that mixes contradictory words or phrases by examining the definition, structure, and the purpose behind using this device in speech. The research article also examines the various types and applications of oxymoron with drawing general parameters to grammatical and pragmatic perspectives. The data was collected from several set of public political speech delivered by John F. Kennedy. A qualitative analysis was conducted of four political speeches. The model used to analyze the chosen data proposed by Yanfang Shen in his work “Foregrounding in Poetic Discourse: Between Deviation and Cognitive Constraints” (2007). The results demonstrate Kennedy is skillful at using the device of oxymoronic with accurate grammatical constructions to successfully convey a convenience message and create a dramatic impact on the listeners. His speeches were enriched with oxymorons expression by using mostly all its types, creating intellectually and memorable motivated statements. Finally, the study also reflects on some aspects of inserting oxymoron in the pedagogical perspective, specifically considering the practical implications of oxymorons in the classroom environment, argues that when using oxymorons, with careful consideration, can be powerful rhetorical devices for improving communication, persuasiveness, and creativity.