Strategic Dialogic Positioning in Donald Trump’s 2024 Presidential Re-election Announcement: A Linguistic Appraisal of Engagement Resources

Journal: Journal of Educational  and Social Research, Q3
Author: Phan Lê Quỳnh Hoa - Trường Đại học Đông Á

Abstract:

This paper investigates the rhetorical strategies adopted by Donald Trump in his 2024 re-election announcement speech, applying Martin and White’s (2005) Appraisal Theory as a critical framework. Through a synthesis of descriptive analysis and both qualitative and quantitative methodologies, the study reveals a predominant use of dialogically open expressions, with 466 Heteroglossic instances accounting for 61.5% of the data—significantly outnumbering the 300 Monoglossic instances (38.5%). Trump’s discourse shows a deliberate manipulation of Heteroglossic mechanisms, deploying 241 instances of dialogic contraction, particularly via Denial (33.0%) and Countering (12.2%), to dismantle or resist alternate viewpoints. Simultaneously, dialogic expansion is evident in 225 occurrences, notably through Entertain (35.5%) and Acknowledge (12.9%), signaling rhetorical flexibility and openness. Strikingly, the study finds no use of Distance strategies. Selective application of Proclaim resources—such as Concur, Pronounce, and Endorse—serve to assert his ideological stance and legitimize his assertions. This balance between contraction and expansion reflects a nuanced persuasive technique that merges assertiveness with strategic inclusivity. The findings shed light on the dynamics of campaign discourse and underline its pedagogical implications in English language education, particularly in fostering critical literacy, argumentation skills, debate proficiency, and media interpretation.

Doi: https://doi.org/10.36941/jesr-2025-0174