John Benjamins Publishing Company
Speaking to Europe
Abstract
This article examines the rhetorical language and behaviour of Prime Minister Tony Blair in a complex communication situation in which he speaks not only to the physically present audience in the European Parliament, but simultaneously to different countries and groups in Europe. It argues that theoretically the fragmentation and complexity of contemporary society and communication require a triangular research approach. We need a study of political discourse that not only deals with speaker and text, but also with reception. Methodologically, such an approach is illustrated through a combination of a textual-contextual analysis with an investigation of the press coverage in five countries. Empirically, we learn that the press coverage focuses on both the narrative of the speaker and the response within the Parliament, but that it is framed differently in each country. We also learn that complex circumstances do not necessarily lead to complex language use.
Abstract
This article examines the rhetorical language and behaviour of Prime Minister Tony Blair in a complex communication situation in which he speaks not only to the physically present audience in the European Parliament, but simultaneously to different countries and groups in Europe. It argues that theoretically the fragmentation and complexity of contemporary society and communication require a triangular research approach. We need a study of political discourse that not only deals with speaker and text, but also with reception. Methodologically, such an approach is illustrated through a combination of a textual-contextual analysis with an investigation of the press coverage in five countries. Empirically, we learn that the press coverage focuses on both the narrative of the speaker and the response within the Parliament, but that it is framed differently in each country. We also learn that complex circumstances do not necessarily lead to complex language use.
Chapters in this book
- Prelim pages i
- Table of contents v
- Acknowledgements vii
- Speaking of and within the EU – Introduction 1
- Speaking to Europe 19
- Doing politics or doing media? A linguistic approach to European parliamentary debate 43
- Quantitative approaches to political discourse 65
- On what is not said and who said it 85
- Voices and identities 111
- The heart of Europe 135
- Images and roles of the European Union in the climate change debate 151
- Risky readings 171
- Index 189
Chapters in this book
- Prelim pages i
- Table of contents v
- Acknowledgements vii
- Speaking of and within the EU – Introduction 1
- Speaking to Europe 19
- Doing politics or doing media? A linguistic approach to European parliamentary debate 43
- Quantitative approaches to political discourse 65
- On what is not said and who said it 85
- Voices and identities 111
- The heart of Europe 135
- Images and roles of the European Union in the climate change debate 151
- Risky readings 171
- Index 189
