Conceptual Metaphor in Presidential Political Speeches Delivered During Arab Spring

Abstract

This paper investigates the use of conceptual metaphor as discourse pheno­menon, especially its persuasive role in political discourse. This study aims to identify conceptual metaphors that are expressed by metaphorical expressions in text corpus, to classify these metaphors by finding their source domains, to examine their conceptual structure and discourse potential. The purpose of the discussion is to describe and interpret social relations expressed by dominant metaphorical concepts that conceptualize political realm in a complex political setting and times of crisis and uprisings. Furthermore, the paper gives an insight into purposes and effects of using conceptual metaphors in this distinct political context. Text corpus consists of political speeches delivered by presi­dents of Tunis, Egypt and Libya during Arab Spring.