Rhetorical Devices as a political tool for manipulation
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.31973/3aharn68Keywords:
Rhetoric, political manipulation, language, persuasion tacticsAbstract
This study investigates the persuasive and manipulative power of rhetorical devices in political speeches, demonstrating how language is strategically employed to construct ideologies, evoke emotions, and influence public opinion. By analyzing 30 speeches from political leaders across diverse cultural and ideological contexts—including Martin Luther King Jr., Gamal Abdel Nasser, Nelson Mandela, and Donald Trump—the research identifies recurring patterns in metaphor, repetition, irony, alliteration, and hyperbole. The findings reveal that these devices transcend geographic and cultural boundaries, functioning as universal tools for political persuasion. However, its effectiveness is often dependent on sociohistorical contexts and audience receptivity. The study concludes by highlighting the ethical implications of rhetorical manipulation and calls for greater public awareness of linguistic strategies in political discourse.
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