A speech act analysis of political speeches on Yazidi massacre

Abstract EN

Speech Acts play the most important role in political speeches since it is mainly concerned with persuading others believe what the speaker says.

This study investigates the value of Speech Act Theory as a framework for analyzing political speeches so as to have a better idea of the main political purpose for it is believed that the event of Yazidi massacre in 2004 may affect the choice of the types of speech acts used.

The study hypothesizes the production of frequent use of emotional, informative, persuasive, or motivational speech acts to coincide with this tragic event.

Based on Searle and Austins' speech acts theory, the study attempts to analyze the selected political speeches by UNAMI Regional Office Erbil (statement in 15-8-2018) and Prime Minister of Kurdistan Region (3-8-2018) about YAZIDI MASSACRE during the fourth anniversary of the massive killing and enslavement of thousands of Yezidi in (2014), as a piece of discourse with specific goals.