This bestselling introductory textbook examines the relationship between politicians, the press and the public through the language they employ. Now fully revised with new material on delegitimisation, 'fake news', disinformation, (self-)censorship, 'conspiracy theories' and 'Zombie' narratives, key topics include:

* evaluation, the 'engine' of persuasion

* 'spin', 'spin control' and 'image' politics

* models of persuasion, including authority, contrast, problem-solution, association, 'garden path'

* pseudo-logical and 'post-truth' arguments

* humour, irony and satire

* metaphors: use, misuse and dangers

* election rhetoric

Extracts from speeches, soundbites, newspapers and blogs, social media, interviews, press conferences, election slogans and satires are used to provide the reader with the tools to discover the beliefs, character and hidden strategies of the would-be persuader, as well as the counter-strategies of their targets. This book demonstrates how the study of language use can help us appreciate, exploit and protect ourselves from the art of persuasion.

With a wide variety of practical examples, on both recent issues and historically significant ones, every topic is complemented with guiding tasks, queries and exercises with keys and commentaries at the end of each unit. This highly original textbook is ideal for all introductory courses on language and politics, media language, rhetoric and persuasion, discourse studies and related areas.

About the Author

Alan Partington is the Professor of Linguistics, Si-Bol (Siena-Bologna) Research Group, Italy. He is the author of The Linguistics of Political Argument and The Linguistics of Laughter, both Routledge, and was the founding editor-in-chief of the International Journal of Corpora and Discourse.

Reviews

Praise for the previous edition:

"The Language of Persuasion in Politics is a much-needed update on the linguistic arena where political battles are fought and won. Drawing on a wealth of sources the authors give an insight into the tools, rhetorical devices and persuasion techniques used by politicians worldwide, in a style both clear and accurate, unraveling the ultimate meaning of political jargon. This text-book is a must-have not only for students of a variety of courses on language and politics, media language and related areas of study, but also for all those who do not intend to be passive recipients of political communication."

Franca Piergallini, Universita Cattolica del Sacre Cuore, Milan, Italy

"This user-friendly, critical, contemporary introduction to political language addresses current affairs from a range of contexts and draws on a wealth of engaging examples. The book will be of interest to students as well as seasoned experts, reminding us all how language permeates, informs, and shapes the everyday world."

Rachelle Vessey, Carleton University, Ottawa, Canada

Book Information
ISBN 9781032648248
Author Alan Partington
Format Paperback
Page Count 360
Imprint Routledge
Publisher Taylor & Francis Ltd