Speaker
Description
Abstract
Drawing on George Lakoff and Mark Johnson’s Conceptual Metaphor Theory (1980, 2003), this study explores the use of conceptual metaphors in political discourse through an analysis of speeches delivered by Theresa May. The corpus consists of 20 speeches collected from major international media platforms, including BBC, The Guardian, CNN, and CNBC. Using a qualitative descriptive approach, the study identifies and categorizes structural, ontological, and orientational metaphors embedded in the selected speeches.
The findings reveal that all three types of conceptual metaphors are employed in Theresa May’s political discourse, with ontological and structural metaphors occurring most frequently. These metaphorical expressions function as persuasive cognitive devices that simplify abstract political issues and strengthen rhetorical impact. The study further demonstrates how conceptual metaphors contribute to meaning construction, audience engagement, and political persuasion in leadership communication.
By highlighting the relationship between language, cognition, and political discourse, this study contributes to the field of cognitive linguistics and discourse analysis. It also suggests pedagogical implications for English language teaching, particularly in raising learners’ awareness of metaphorical language and critical discourse interpretation in authentic political texts.
Biography
My name is Nguyễn Bạch Tuyết Ngân, and I am currently a lecturer at Thai Binh Duong University. I obtained my Master’s degree in English Language Studies in 2022, with a research focus on cognitive linguistics and political discourse analysis. My academic interests include conceptual metaphor theory, discourse studies, political communication, and the relationship between language and cognition in persuasive speech.
My research particularly investigates the use of conceptual metaphors in political speeches delivered by influential political leaders, with an emphasis on how metaphorical language functions as a cognitive and rhetorical device in shaping political messages and audience perception. My master’s thesis examined conceptual metaphors in the speeches of Kamala Harris and Theresa May based on the framework proposed by George Lakoff and Mark Johnson. Building upon this research orientation, my current study explores the distribution and communicative functions of structural, ontological, and orientational metaphors in Theresa May’s political discourse.
Through my participation in the VietTESOL International Convention, I hope to contribute to scholarly discussions on cognitive linguistics and discourse analysis while exchanging research perspectives with educators and researchers in the field of English language studies. I am particularly interested in exploring the pedagogical implications of political discourse and metaphor awareness in enhancing learners’ critical language competence and interpretive skills in English language education.
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