A Pragma-Rhetorical Analysis of Persuasion in Mandela's Selected Speech

Abstract

This research is a pragma-rhetorical analysis of persuasion in one of Mandela’s significant speeches, i.e “Nelson Mandela’s speech in concert to the Live 8 on July 2^nd, 2005”.It aims to investigate the persuasive strategies employed by Mandela through Pragma-Rhetoric analysis. By blending Pragmatics and Rhetoric, this interdisciplinary framework offers a holistic lens to examine the intricate interplay of language use, strategic communication, and persuasive intent within the discourse. The primary objective of this study is to identify the rhetorical methods, linguistic subtleties, and pragmatic elements strategically utilized by Mandela to engage and influence the audience, achieving specific persuasive goals. The research seeks to reveal the multi-dimensional nature of persuasive mechanisms and assess their impact on shaping audience perceptions. Methodologically, the paper applies the foundational principles of Pragmatics to dissect how linguistic features contribute to the persuasive effectiveness of the speech. Concurrently, it draws on Rhetorical Analysis to decode the stylistic and rhetorical devices employed to enhance persuasive impact. Moreover, it focuses to provide a nuanced understanding of Mandela’s persuasive communication, unveiling the deliberate choices made in constructing persuasive discourse. By scrutinizing the intricacies of persuasive language in Mandela’s speech, the research contributes valuable insights into how language is strategically used to shape public opinion, influence political narratives, and achieve persuasive success in the complex arena of leadership communication. This research not only advances our comprehension of pragma-rhetorical dimensions within political discourse but also establishes a robust framework for analyzing persuasive strategies employed by leaders in shaping public perception and discourse.