Speaking Different Languages or Reading from the Same Script? Work Usage of Democratic and Republican Politicans

Posted: 29 Jul 2014

See all articles by Jayme Neiman

Jayme Neiman

University of Nebraska at Lincoln

Frank Gonzalez

University of Nebraska at Lincoln

Kevin B. Smith

University of Nebraska at Lincoln

John R. Hibbing

University of Nebraska at Lincoln - Department of Political Science

Date Written: July 28, 2014

Abstract

Words are believed to be indicators of the values that are important to politicians and an impressive amount of empirical research has analyzed variations in language use. While it is generally accepted that there are value differences between Democrats and Republicans, the extent to which these differences are apparent in word usage is largely unknown. In this article, we examine elite rhetoric through the lens of four value-centered theoretical frameworks (Lakoff’s Parenting Model, Moral Foundations Theory, Schwartz’s Values Theory, and Motivated Social Cognition Theory). Contrary to the expectations posited by these four theories, we find little reliable evidence of language differences between Democratic and Republican politicians. Our findings suggest that, at least when it comes to elite rhetoric, widely accepted theoretical claims about the nature of political language and political differences are not consistently supported by empirical analysis.

Suggested Citation

Neiman, Jayme and Gonzalez, Frank and Smith, Kevin B. and Hibbing, John R., Speaking Different Languages or Reading from the Same Script? Work Usage of Democratic and Republican Politicans (July 28, 2014). Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2473173

Jayme Neiman (Contact Author)

University of Nebraska at Lincoln ( email )

730 N. 14th Street
Lincoln, NE 68588
United States

Frank Gonzalez

University of Nebraska at Lincoln ( email )

730 N. 14th Street
Lincoln, NE 68588
United States

Kevin B. Smith

University of Nebraska at Lincoln ( email )

730 N. 14th Street
Lincoln, NE 68588
United States

John R. Hibbing

University of Nebraska at Lincoln - Department of Political Science ( email )

511 Oldfather Hall
P.O. Box 880328
Lincoln, NE 68588-0328
United States

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