Undemocratic Discourse: A Review of Theory and Research on Political Discourse

Discourse and Society vol. 3 no. 4 pp. 469-500

17 Pages Posted: 16 Mar 2016

See all articles by John Gastil

John Gastil

Pennsylvania State University

Date Written: 1992

Abstract

This essay begins by suggesting that political discourse analysis should identify the inadequacies of existing discourse relative to an ideal model of democratic deliberation. Modern writings on political discourse are then reviewed, connecting related concepts and theories from a variety of academic disciplines. The review discusses lexicon (vocabulary, technical words, imprecise words, euphemisms and loaded words), grammar (speech acts, implicature, syntax, pronouns and naming conventions), rhetorical strategies (integrative complexity, rituals, metaphors and myths) and conversational tactics (turn-taking and agenda-setting). The conclusion offers suggestions for future theory and research on political discourse.

Keywords: political discourse, democratic deliberation, political theory, democratic theory

Suggested Citation

Gastil, John, Undemocratic Discourse: A Review of Theory and Research on Political Discourse (1992). Discourse and Society vol. 3 no. 4 pp. 469-500, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2748416

John Gastil (Contact Author)

Pennsylvania State University ( email )

University Park, PA 16802
United States

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