Discourse Analysis of Winston Churchill’s Political Speeches: A Linguistic Perspective

Abstract

This study investigates the linguistic strategies employed in the political speeches of Winston Churchill, with a particular focus on discourse analysis and rhetorical structures. As one of the most influential political figures of the twentieth century, Churchill’s speeches not only shaped public opinion during the Second World War but also left a lasting linguistic legacy in political oratory. The research applies critical discourse analysis (CDA) to identify rhetorical devices, metaphorical frameworks, and ideological stances embedded in Churchill’s language. Findings suggest that Churchill’s speeches rely heavily on persuasive strategies such as parallelism, repetition, metaphor, and appeals to ethos, pathos, and logos. By situating his discourse within both historical and linguistic contexts, this study contributes to a deeper understanding of how political language operates as a tool of persuasion, identity construction, and ideological reinforcement.