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This thesis does not represent any political views of the author. It is merely an attempt at discourse analysis of an extremely controversial political figure.
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Dawid Kowalski is an experienced English language translator with over 5 years of experience. He graduated in linguistics at he Jan Kochanowski University in Kielce (Poland), applied linguistics at the University College of Częstochowa (Poland) and postgraduate degree in Studies for translators of specialized texts in written translation. Jagiellonian University in Krakow (Poland).
He is adept at using CAT tools such as SDL Trados Studio 2022, MemoQ, and Memsource, and takes great pleasure in the technical facets of effectively preparing documents for translation (OCR) and formatting MS Office documents. His next professional ambition is to become a Desktop Publishing (DTP) Operator, providing specialized services for translators. With his background in government and local administration, his main area of expertise lies in translating government documents. His client base is primarily made up of national government bodies, but he has also extended his services to individuals and private businesses, translating financial reports, contracts, electronic device user manuals, and other general translations. In his leisure time, he is profoundly engaged in experimental and noise music, along with sound engineering, music production and organizing live music events.
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The Perception of America in Donald Trump’s Inaugural Address as Examined Through Corpus-Assisted Discourse Analysis
Introduction
The purpose of this paper is to conduct a corpus-assisted discourse analysis with the goal of identifying and exploring the portrayal of America in Donald Trump’s inaugural address. This objective will be achieved through a series of steps. Initially, the concept of discourse will be defined, drawing upon a succinct review of selected literature on the subject. Next, the idea of discourse analysis will be introduced via an exploration of definitions provided by various scholars, followed by a brief presentation of Corpus-Assisted Discourse Studies, which will subsequently form the foundation for a deeper analysis of the text. After establishing the theoretical background, we will delve into an analysis of the results derived from the corpus-assisted examination of the speech. The primary discoveries from this investigation will be highlighted in the concluding summary.
The theory
Before we proceed with the discourse analysis of Donald Trump’s speech, several fundamental premises must be laid out. Primarily, the concept of discourse necessitates additional clarification as definitions can diverge depending on the source. The Oxford Dictionary of English Grammar describes it as a “connected stretch of language (especially spoken language), usually bigger than a sentence, and specifically seen as interaction between speakers, or between a writer and reader(s)” (123). As such, discourse can be broadly interpreted as a catch-all term defining several types of texts (Bußmann and Trauth 320) or virtually “any connected piece of speech or writing” (Trask 52). Hyland and Paltridge suggest that discourse represents “language produced as an act of communication” (334). They further note that discourse “signifies the constraints and choices which influence writers or speakers in specific contexts and reflects their objectives, intentions, thoughts, and relationships with readers and listeners”. While the definitions of discourse may vary among scholars, they seem to share key commonalities. Therefore, for the purposes of this paper, we assume the term refers to utterances and texts generated by speaker(s) and/or writer(s) engaged in dialogue with their audience.
While defining discourse might present some challenges, the interpretation of discourse analysis is even more diverse among scholars. Once more, The Oxford Dictionary of English Grammar characterizes Discourse Analysis as “the analysis of how spoken and/or written stretches of language are structured” (123). However, this rudimentary definition does not capture the full range of what discourse analysis entails and the varied ways it can be undertaken. It is further elaborated that discourse analysis might involve “examining grammatical and semantic connections” (123), or it may be “concerned with sociolinguistic aspects of language” (123). Bußmann and Trauth simply define it as a “cover term for various analyses of discourse” (321), but they also distinguish between discourse as a static text, which can be analyzed from a purely linguistic perspective (i.e., grammar and linguistics), and discourse as a dynamic product that can be evaluated from multiple viewpoints, including functional grammar, psycholinguistics, cognitive science, and sociology of language (321). Brown and Yule contend that discourse analysis is “the analysis of language in use” (1), which sets it apart from a purely linguistic approach to analyzing the formalities of discourse. However, for the purposes of this paper, we will adopt Brian Paltridge’s definition of discourse analysis:
Discourse analysis focuses on knowledge about language beyond the word, clause phrase and sentence that is needed for successful communication. It looks at patterns of language across texts and considers the relationship between language and the social and cultural contexts in which it is used. It also considers how views of the world, and identities, are constructed through the use of discourse. (3)
The choice of methods for analyzing discourse is the most expansive topic in discourse analysis, as the chosen method hinges on the aspects of discourse under investigation. The study in this paper is grounded on the Corpus-Assisted Discourse Studies (CADS) methodology. A corpus refers to „a body of written text or transcribed speech which can serve as a foundation for linguistic analysis and description” (Kennedy 1), while corpus linguistics is identified as a „collection of studies into the form and/or function of language that incorporate the use of computerized corpora in their analyses” (Partington 5). Corpus-Assisted Discourse Studies (CADS) is a novel approach to discourse analysis, often applied to sociopolitical texts (Partington 11). As Partington observes, the objective of the CADS approach is to uncover „non-obvious meaning” in the discourse type under examination—meaning that might not be immediately evident through casual inspection (11). Given its potential to reveal fascinating insights for discourse analysis, we’ll use the CADS method to scrutinize the discourse in question, focusing on word frequency and their concordances, or „a collection of the occurrences of a word form, each in its own textual environment” (Sinclair 32).
Corpus-Assisted Discourse Analysis of Donald Trump’s Inaugural Speech
Donald Trump, born on June 14, 1946, in New York, was primarily recognized as a businessman, real estate mogul, and the star of the reality TV show „The Apprentice” before his election as the 45th President of the United States. His presidential campaign, conducted under the slogan „Make America Great Again,” promised policies such as the construction of a wall on the U.S.-Mexico border and restrictions on Muslim immigration. However, Trump’s campaign stirred controversy due to several scandalous statements concerning minorities like Mexicans and Muslims, allegations of sexual harassment, and derogatory comments about women. Although formally a representative of the Republican Party, Trump’s campaign controversies make him often seen as an unorthodox politician. His political ideology leans heavily towards traditional, conservative values, with strong Christian influences. On January 20, 2017, he delivered his inaugural speech. While some journalists suggest that Trump didn’t author the speech himself, for the scope of this study, we presume that he did. It’s also important to note that the study’s focus is purely on the textual pragmatics of the speech, without considering aspects such as delivery style, intonation, pauses, or any other non-textual elements.
The study’s corpus was formed from the complete written transcript of the speech as provided on the official White House website (See Appendix A). The text comprises 1,434 words, which serve as the corpus for subsequent analysis. The analysis was executed using AntConc, a free corpus analysis tool developed by Laurence Anthony.
The first stage in dissecting the President’s inaugural address involved creating a word frequency list. The five most frequently occurring words were: 'America’ (17 instances), 'American’ (12 instances), 'country’ (9 instances), 'people’ (9 instances), and 'great’ (6 instances) – this last one being on par with 'nation’, 'new’, and 'world’, each appearing 6 times. A complete list of the most recurrent words (that is, words that appear more than twice in the speech) can be found in Table 1 (See Appendix B). A few preliminary deductions can be made based on the word frequency analysis. First, it can be inferred that Donald Trump’s main focus is America and American issues, given that the three most common words in his speech pertain to the country itself. Second, the frequent usage of 'people’ suggests a concentration on the citizens of the United States, a hypothesis further corroborated by the extensive use of the term 'nation’. It is also noteworthy that the word 'new’ features six times in the speech, which could signify the President’s intent to convey to the audience that his administration will usher in changes.
Further examination of the speech entailed generating a list of sentences that included five of the most frequently used words, in order to understand their respective contexts. The comprehensive list is provided in Table 2 (See Appendix B). The evaluation of the findings suggests that Donald Trump’s speech depicts America as a fallen hero: „America’s infrastructure has fallen into disrepair and decay.” He also indirectly conveys several other ideas about his perspective of America: „America will start winning again”, „We Will Make America Strong Again”, „We Will Make America Wealthy Again”, „We Will Make America Proud Again”, „We Will Make America Safe Again”, „We Will Make America Great Again”. By repeatedly using the adverb 'again’, Trump suggests that the country has lost these qualities which need to be restored. Moreover, the President’s speech subtly insinuates that other countries are somewhat responsible for America’s downfall: „We’ve defended other nation’s borders while refusing to defend our own; And spent trillions of dollars overseas while America’s infrastructure has fallen into disrepair and decay”, „we’ve made other countries rich while the wealth, strength, and confidence of our country has disappeared over the horizon”, „For many decades, we’ve enriched foreign industry at the expense of American industry”, „Buy American and Hire American”. Trump promises that under his administration „[e]very decision on trade, on taxes, on immigration, on foreign affairs, will be made to benefit American workers and American families.” He asserts that the country needs to be rebuilt with „American hands and American labor.” This statement could be perceived as having an underlying connotation that immigrant workers may not be welcomed in the country as they are partially to blame for the nation’s downfall.
The second most commonly occurring word in Trump’s speech is the adjective ‘American’. It is being used throughout the discourse to indicate that the power has been taken away from the American people by previous administrations. Trump states that „we are transferring power from Washington, D.C. and giving it back to you, the American People.„
The analysis of repeated use of the term 'country’ in Trump’s inaugural speech proves to be a further reaffirmation of his bleak perception of America: „rebuild our country”, „establishment protected itself, but not the citizens of our country”, „the forgotten men and women of our country”, „crime and gangs and drugs that have stolen too many lives and robbed our country of so much unrealized potential”. The nation is depicted as bruised, worn out, and teetering on the brink of downfall. Again, the insinuation is that past administrations were not sufficiently concerned about their citizens, leading to America’s loss of its once great prestige.
Summary
The application of Corpus-Assisted Discourse Analysis to scrutinize Donald Trump’s depiction of America in his inaugural address has unveiled the following conclusions:
- The country is facing imminent economic and infrastructural disintegration;
- Immigration has disadvantaged American workers;
- American citizens have been stripped of their power;
- Although the country’s wealth and grandeur have dwindled, they can be restored. The usage of CADS methodologies throughout this study proved instrumental in identifying and examining the textual patterns, enabling a deep exploration of concealed implications in the text. The numerical examination of the speech’s lexical components facilitated a concentrated study of the most recurring themes, allowing for generalized inferences about the portrayal of America as depicted in the President’s discourse.
Appendix A
Full transcript of Donald Trump’s inaugural speech
Chief Justice Roberts, President Carter, President Clinton, President Bush, President Obama, fellow Americans, and people of the world: thank you.
We, the citizens of America, are now joined in a great national effort to rebuild our country and to restore its promise for all of our people.
Together, we will determine the course of America and the world for years to come.
We will face challenges. We will confront hardships. But we will get the job done.
Every four years, we gather on these steps to carry out the orderly and peaceful transfer of power, and we are grateful to President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama for their gracious aid throughout this transition. They have been magnificent.
Today’s ceremony, however, has very special meaning. Because today we are not merely transferring power from one Administration to another, or from one party to another – but we are transferring power from Washington, D.C. and giving it back to you, the American People.
For too long, a small group in our nation’s Capital has reaped the rewards of government while the people have borne the cost.
Washington flourished – but the people did not share in its wealth.
Politicians prospered – but the jobs left, and the factories closed.
The establishment protected itself, but not the citizens of our country.
Their victories have not been your victories; their triumphs have not been your triumphs; and while they celebrated in our nation’s Capital, there was little to celebrate for struggling families all across our land.
That all changes – starting right here, and right now, because this moment is your moment: it belongs to you.
It belongs to everyone gathered here today and everyone watching all across America.
This is your day. This is your celebration.
And this, the United States of America, is your country.
What truly matters is not which party controls our government, but whether our government is controlled by the people.
January 20th 2017, will be remembered as the day the people became the rulers of this nation again.
The forgotten men and women of our country will be forgotten no longer.
Everyone is listening to you now.
You came by the tens of millions to become part of a historic movement the likes of which the world has never seen before.
At the center of this movement is a crucial conviction: that a nation exists to serve its citizens.
Americans want great schools for their children, safe neighborhoods for their families, and good jobs for themselves.
These are the just and reasonable demands of a righteous public.
But for too many of our citizens, a different reality exists: Mothers and children trapped in poverty in our inner cities; rusted-out factories scattered like tombstones across the landscape of our nation; an education system, flush with cash, but which leaves our young and beautiful students deprived of knowledge; and the crime and gangs and drugs that have stolen too many lives and robbed our country of so much unrealized potential.
This American carnage stops right here and stops right now.
We are one nation – and their pain is our pain. Their dreams are our dreams; and their success will be our success. We share one heart, one home, and one glorious destiny.
The oath of office I take today is an oath of allegiance to all Americans.
For many decades, we’ve enriched foreign industry at the expense of American industry;
Subsidized the armies of other countries while allowing for the very sad depletion of our military.
We’ve defended other nation’s borders while refusing to defend our own;
And spent trillions of dollars overseas while America’s infrastructure has fallen into disrepair and decay.
We’ve made other countries rich while the wealth, strength, and confidence of our country has disappeared over the horizon.
One by one, the factories shuttered and left our shores, with not even a thought about the millions upon millions of American workers left behind.
The wealth of our middle class has been ripped from their homes and then redistributed across the entire world.
But that is the past. And now we are looking only to the future.
We assembled here today are issuing a new decree to be heard in every city, in every foreign capital, and in every hall of power.
From this day forward, a new vision will govern our land.
From this moment on, it’s going to be America First.
Every decision on trade, on taxes, on immigration, on foreign affairs, will be made to benefit American workers and American families.
We must protect our borders from the ravages of other countries making our products, stealing our companies, and destroying our jobs. Protection will lead to great prosperity and strength.
I will fight for you with every breath in my body – and I will never, ever let you down.
America will start winning again, winning like never before.
We will bring back our jobs. We will bring back our borders. We will bring back our wealth. And we will bring back our dreams.
We will build new roads, and highways, and bridges, and airports, and tunnels, and railways all across our wonderful nation.
We will get our people off of welfare and back to work – rebuilding our country with American hands and American labor.
We will follow two simple rules: Buy American and Hire American.
We will seek friendship and goodwill with the nations of the world – but we do so with the understanding that it is the right of all nations to put their own interests first.
We do not seek to impose our way of life on anyone, but rather to let it shine as an example for everyone to follow.
We will reinforce old alliances and form new ones – and unite the civilized world against Radical Islamic Terrorism, which we will eradicate completely from the face of the Earth.
At the bedrock of our politics will be a total allegiance to the United States of America, and through our loyalty to our country, we will rediscover our loyalty to each other.
When you open your heart to patriotism, there is no room for prejudice.
The Bible tells us, “how good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity.”
We must speak our minds openly, debate our disagreements honestly, but always pursue solidarity.
When America is united, America is totally unstoppable.
There should be no fear – we are protected, and we will always be protected.
We will be protected by the great men and women of our military and law enforcement and, most importantly, we are protected by God.
Finally, we must think big and dream even bigger.
In America, we understand that a nation is only living as long as it is striving.
We will no longer accept politicians who are all talk and no action – constantly complaining but never doing anything about it.
The time for empty talk is over.
Now arrives the hour of action.
Do not let anyone tell you it cannot be done. No challenge can match the heart and fight and spirit of America.
We will not fail. Our country will thrive and prosper again.
We stand at the birth of a new millennium, ready to unlock the mysteries of space, to free the Earth from the miseries of disease, and to harness the energies, industries and technologies of tomorrow.
A new national pride will stir our souls, lift our sights, and heal our divisions.
It is time to remember that old wisdom our soldiers will never forget: that whether we are black or brown or white, we all bleed the same red blood of patriots, we all enjoy the same glorious freedoms, and we all salute the same great American Flag.
And whether a child is born in the urban sprawl of Detroit or the windswept plains of Nebraska, they look up at the same night sky, they fill their heart with the same dreams, and they are infused with the breath of life by the same almighty Creator.
So to all Americans, in every city near and far, small and large, from mountain to mountain, and from ocean to ocean, hear these words:
You will never be ignored again.
Your voice, your hopes, and your dreams, will define our American destiny. And your courage and goodness and love will forever guide us along the way.
Together, We Will Make America Strong Again.
We Will Make America Wealthy Again.
We Will Make America Proud Again.
We Will Make America Safe Again.
And, Yes, Together, We Will Make America Great Again. Thank you, God Bless You, And God Bless America.
Appendix B
Table 1. Most common words (occurrence > 2)
| No. | Term | No. of occurrences |
| 1. | America | 17 |
| 2. | American | 12 |
| 3. | Country | 9 |
| 4. | People | 9 |
| 5. | Great | 6 |
| 6. | Nation | 6 |
| 7. | New | 6 |
| 8. | World | 6 |
| 9. | Dreams | 5 |
| 10. | President | 5 |
| 11. | Protected | 5 |
| 12. | Right | 5 |
| 13. | Americans | 5 |
| 14. | Bring | 4 |
| 15. | Citizens | 4 |
| 16. | Heart | 4 |
| 17. | Jobs | 4 |
| 18. | Power | 4 |
| 19. | Today | 4 |
| 20. | World | 4 |
| 21. | Borders | 3 |
| 22. | Capital | 3 |
| 23. | Countries | 3 |
| 24. | Day | 3 |
| 25. | Factories | 3 |
| 26. | Families | 3 |
| 27. | Foreign | 3 |
| 28. | God | 3 |
| 29. | Government | 3 |
| 30. | Left | 3 |
| 31. | Let | 3 |
| 32. | Millions | 3 |
| 33. | Moment | 3 |
| 34. | Nation’s | 3 |
| 35. | Obama | 3 |
| 36. | United | 3 |
Table 2. Concordance list for the 5 most frequently occurring words
| No. | Term | Concordance list |
| 1. | America | 1. We, the citizens of America, are now joined in a great national effort to rebuild our country and to restore its promise for all of our people.
2. Together, we will determine the course of America and the world for years to come. 3. It belongs to everyone gathered here today and everyone watching all across America. 4. And this, the United States of America, is your country. 5. We’ve defended other nation’s borders while refusing to defend our own; And spent trillions of dollars overseas while America’s infrastructure has fallen into disrepair and decay. 6. From this moment on, it’s going to be America First 7. America will start winning again, winning like never before. 8. At the bedrock of our politics will be a total allegiance to the United States of America, and through our loyalty to our country, we will rediscover our loyalty to each other. 9. When America is united, America is totally unstoppable. 10. In America, we understand that a nation is only living as long as it is striving. 11. Do not let anyone tell you it cannot be done. No challenge can match the heart and fight and spirit of America. 12. Together, We Will Make America Strong Again. 13. We Will Make America Wealthy Again. 14. We Will Make America Proud Again. 15. We Will Make America Safe Again. 16. And, Yes, Together, We Will Make America Great Again. Thank you, God Bless You, And God Bless America. |
| 2. | American | 1. Today’s ceremony, however, has very special meaning. Because today we are not merely transferring power from one Administration to another, or from one party to another – but we are transferring power from Washington, D.C. and giving it back to you, the American People.
2. This American carnage stops right here and stops right now. 3. For many decades, we’ve enriched foreign industry at the expense of American industry; 4. One by one, the factories shuttered and left our shores, with not even a thought about the millions upon millions of American workers left behind. 5. Every decision on trade, on taxes, on immigration, on foreign affairs, will be made to benefit American workers and American families. 6. We will get our people off of welfare and back to work – rebuilding our country with American hands and American labor. 7. We will follow two simple rules: Buy American and Hire American. 8. It is time to remember that old wisdom our soldiers will never forget: that whether we are black or brown or white, we all bleed the same red blood of patriots, we all enjoy the same glorious freedoms, and we all salute the same great American Flag. 9. Your voice, your hopes, and your dreams, will define our American destiny. And your courage and goodness and love will forever guide us along the way. |
| 3. | Country | 1. We, the citizens of America, are now joined in a great national effort to rebuild our country and to restore its promise for all of our people.
2. The establishment protected itself, but not the citizens of our country. 3. And this, the United States of America, is your country. 4. The forgotten men and women of our country will be forgotten no longer. 5. But for too many of our citizens, a different reality exists: Mothers and children trapped in poverty in our inner cities; rusted-out factories scattered like tombstones across the landscape of our nation; an education system, flush with cash, but which leaves our young and beautiful students deprived of knowledge; and the crime and gangs and drugs that have stolen too many lives and robbed our country of so much unrealized potential. 6. We’ve made other countries rich while the wealth, strength, and confidence of our country has disappeared over the horizon. 7. We will get our people off of welfare and back to work – rebuilding our country with American hands and American labor. 8. At the bedrock of our politics will be a total allegiance to the United States of America, and through our loyalty to our country, we will rediscover our loyalty to each other. 9. We will not fail. Our country will thrive and prosper again. |
| 4. | People | 1. Chief Justice Roberts, President Carter, President Clinton, President Bush, President Obama, fellow Americans, and people of the world: thank you.
2. We, the citizens of America, are now joined in a great national effort to rebuild our country and to restore its promise for all of our people. 3. Today’s ceremony, however, has very special meaning. Because today we are not merely transferring power from one Administration to another, or from one party to another – but we are transferring power from Washington, D.C. and giving it back to you, the American People. 4. For too long, a small group in our nation’s Capital has reaped the rewards of government while the people have borne the cost. 5. Washington flourished – but the people did not share in its wealth. 6. What truly matters is not which party controls our government, but whether our government is controlled by the people. 7. January 20th 2017, will be remembered as the day the people became the rulers of this nation again. 8. We will get our people off of welfare and back to work – rebuilding our country with American hands and American labor. 9. The Bible tells us, “how good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity.” |
| 5. | Great | 1. We, the citizens of America, are now joined in a great national effort to rebuild our country and to restore its promise for all of our people.
2. Americans want great schools for their children, safe neighborhoods for their families, and good jobs for themselves. 3. Protection will lead to great prosperity and strength. 4. We will be protected by the great men and women of our military and law enforcement and, most importantly, we are protected by God. 5. It is time to remember that old wisdom our soldiers will never forget: that whether we are black or brown or white, we all bleed the same red blood of patriots, we all enjoy the same glorious freedoms, and we all salute the same great American Flag. 6. And, Yes, Together, We Will Make America Great Again. Thank you, God Bless You, And God Bless America. |
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„Donald Trump.” Encyclopaedia Britannica, 31 May 2017, www.britannica.com/biography/Donald-Trump
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“The Inaugural Address.” The White House, 20 Jan. 2017, www.whitehouse.gov/inaugural-address.
Trask, Robert L. Key Concepts in Language and Linguistics. London Routledge, 2005. Print.
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