The use of person deixis in political persuasion: From analysis to pedagogical application
The use of person deixis in political persuasion: From analysis to pedagogical application

Summary/Abstract: The paper investigates the persuasive function of person deixis, particularly first and third person pronouns in political discourse, with a dual focus on theoretical analysis and pedagogical application. Drawing on a corpus of U.S. presidential nomination speeches, the study categorizes deictic usage into three functional types: (1) first person singular pronouns for asserting leadership and personal credibility, (2) third person singular reference for institutional distancing or role enhancement, and (3) first person plural pronouns for inclusive alignment and epistemic legitimation. The analysis demonstrates how shifts in person deixis strategically construct speaker identity, enhance persuasive effect, and create solidarity or authority depending on context. Particular attention is paid to the rhetorical transition from “I” to “we”, which shifts the focus from individual action to group effort, encouraging a sense of shared responsibility. In addition to its analytical contribution, the study explores the integration of deictic awareness into ESP instruction at tertiary level. It proposes a task-based instructional framework aimed at raising learners’ pragmatic awareness, rhetorical sensitivity, and intercultural communicative competence. A three-phase teaching model (comprising awareness-raising, analytical, and productive activities) is outlined to support learners in identifying, interpreting, and using deixis effectively in persuasive discourse. The paper thus bridges linguistic theory and classroom practice, demonstrating how critical engagement with authentic political texts can enhance ESP learners’ communicative competence and critical thinking in real-world contexts.

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