A Comparative Analysis of Selected Political Discursive Practices in Real-World and Fictional Contexts

Abstract

Political discourse, whether in the real world or fictional representations, serves as a platform for negotiation of power, expression of values, and construction of collective identities. Some studies that have investigated political discourse are based on real-world or in fictional context only. The study aims to analyse various discursive practices in both real-world and fictional contexts. The approach is a Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) of selected political speeches delivered by President Joe Biden and President Kirkman from the TV series "Designated Survivor." Employing van Dijk's (2005) Political Discourse Analysis framework. The study compares and contrasts the linguistic and discursive strategies used by the two leaders, focusing on their ideological positions and communication styles. Through a mixed-method approach combining quantitative and qualitative analysis, the research examines the rhetorical devices, linguistic features, and discursive practices employed by both real-world and fictional presidents. Significant differences are discovered in their communication styles; with President Biden's speeches grounded in real-world issues and evidential support, while President Kirkman's fictional speeches focused on the suspenseful context and events of the TV series. Context, ideology, and communication frames emerge as crucial factors shaping the discourse of real-life and fictional leaders.