CRITICAL DISCOURSE ANALYSIS OF POLITICAL DISCOURSE ANALYSIS: A CASE STUDY OF MURAD ALI SHAH’S SPEECH IN 4TH RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY SHOWCASE 2025

Abstract

This study examines a critical discourse analysis of Murad Ali Shah’s speech. Shah’s address criticising professors and vice chancellors with Ph.D. degrees. The research employs Van Dijk’s discourse methods from 1991, 1995, and 2006. This study seeks to demonstrate how Murad Ali Shah ideologically employed these discursive methods in the affirmative discourse of the US (Sindh Government) and the adverse discourse of THEM (university administration, particularly Ph.D. professors). The analysis revealed that Shah ideologically employed discourse tactics in nearly all of Shah’s speech for political purposes. Language functions as a powerful tool in politics, playing a vital role in the contest for power to maintain and implement particular views and goals. Language undeniably has aspects that reveal various intended meanings expressed in political speeches, manipulate, plan, accompany, and organise all political endeavours. The efficacy of political speeches depends on fulfilling criteria such as rationality, credibility, and emotional resonance. Credibility is achieved by holding a certain degree of authority and comprehension of the relevant problem. Logical coherence is apparent when the discourse is lucid and comprehensible to the audience. Furthermore, forging an emotional bond with the audience is crucial for capturing and sustaining their attention. This study aims to plead with politicians to refrain from using language imbued with ideology, authority, discrimination, and power, as such rhetoric adversely affects innocent civilians.

Keywords: CDA, Political Discourse, Power, Discrimination, Discourse, Ideology, Authority.