Analysis and didactics of political discourse.

Abstract

In this study we propose to fundamentally analyze two aspects of political discourse: First,
the characteristics of the language used by politicians in their speeches. On this occasion we
will analyze the speeches by Cristina Kirchner, José “Pepe” Mujica, Mariano Rajoy, Pablo
Iglesias, Jordi Hereu, Felipe VI, Paolino Rivero, Matteo Renzi and Sergio Mattarella. In
particular, we propose to test the use of metaphor. Metaphors have the merit of simplifying
concepts, transforming them into more cognitively accessible situations, but they are also
important due to the argumentative and evaluative load thanks to the subjective
associations to which they give rise. Second, we want to defend the usefulness of the
analysis of political discourses in the teaching of languages.
On the other hand, we think that, since the politicians who speak the Spanish language
are not all Spanish –many of them are Latin American– the linguistic study is also interesting
from the point of view of variety. It is important that the student of Spanish study a living,
real language, an authentic Spanish that, despite its heterogeneity, has a strong linguistic
unity. Beyond this didactic aspect, the analysis of political discourse is important due to its social role; it must be recognized that it seeks to educate the student so that he can
competently recognize and interpret the reality painted by politicians.
Finally, we want to emphasize the educational value that this type of study represents,
and its value as a useful instrument to recognize and competently interpret the actions of
men and women capable of changing the history and destiny of humanity with their words.