HOW TO ACHIEVE SYNERGY EMPLOYING POSITIVE DISCOURSE IN ECONOMIC CRISIS : THE BRITISH PRIME MINISTER’S SPEECH RISHI SUNAK (FIRST SPEECH) AS AN EXAMPLE

Abstract

This study examines the linguistic strategies used by Mr Sunak in his first speech to gain audience’s support and build synergy. Precisely, it explores how Sunak employs positive discourse which focuses on highlighting solidarity, positive emotions, and achievements to foster support during the economic crisis. It’s worth noting that most of the discourse studies shed light towards power, hegemony and criticism. Thus, there’s a need for a study which considers how positive discourse serves the purpose of the speech and how the visualising of good things can make a change in the ideologies of the audience.

Consequently, this study aims to highlight the essential role of discourse in gaining synergism regarding political crisis, identifying how linguistic strategies employed in discourse positively and analysing a particular speech- Sunak’s speech- the way in which he gains synergism by discourse linguistically.

The researcher adopts two theories to form the model of analysis, which are Martin and White’s Appraisal Theory (2005) and Hyland’s model of Meta-discourse (2007). The study combines qualitative and quantitative approaches in selecting and analysing the data. The results are divided into two parts: the general and specific. Generally speaking, politicians employed activates judgment, affect and appreciation in their speech along with their use of linguistic tactics to support reassurances and to be in solidarity with the audience.  Specifically, Sunak employed linguistic strategies in creating hope and unity and gaining synergism during uncertain times, especially crisis.