Presidential and Prime Ministerial Rhetoric : A Comparison between American and British Political Rhetoric

This essay examines the difference between British and American political rhetoric as regards the use of metaphors, hyperboles, litotes and religious references. Four speeches from each country are analysed: the Leader's speeches from John Major, Tony Blair, George Brown and David Cameron representing British rhetoric, and the State of the Union addresses by George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush and Barack Obama representing American. The analysis suggests that two metaphorical source concepts – JOURNEY and PERSON – are the most common in both British and American rhetoric. It further suggests that VEHICLE and POKER metaphors are unique for American rhetoric and LIGHT and DARK metaphors, once typical American, now only seem to occur in British rhetoric. Also hyperboles seem to be more used in British rhetoric which might suggest that the British political climate is a bit more tolerant and pay less attention to trifles compared to the American. Litotes seem to be used sparingly and with care in both American and British rhetoric. Religious references are, on the contrary, used more frequently. With these references, the American presidents appear to be addressing a common Christian belief in society while the British prime ministers seem to speak more from the perspective of their own personal belief.Validerat; 20110118 (anonymous