Interpreting Between the Lines: Unveiling the Vituperative and Manipulative Linguistic Expressions Used in Pakistani Political Discourses

Abstract

Political discourses always serve the agenda of political figures through the use of manipulative and vituperative language. Manipulative language is cunning or scheming language, having a certain agenda, while Vituperative language is bitter and abusive and hurts someone’s feelings either directly or indirectly. Today’s society is breaking away from normative language and is choosing the manipulative language that most of the public uses in daily conversations. This article delves into the complexities of the layers of political language by thoroughly studying the words’ approach at different levels. The correctness of language is marred by the grossness spread among the masses. The study is based on the analysis of the political speeches delivered by Imran Khan and Nawaz Sharif during different periods in the course of their tenure to check the validity of their language choice. This research will be beneficial to unmask their vituperative and machiavellian language, penetrating the roots of society and invigorating the masses to be vigilant and critical. Their victory speeches, speeches after their government was toppled, the speech by Imran Khan at the prominent event of Amar bil Maroof, and the homecoming speech of Nawaz Sharif are analyzed. Moreover, Fairclough’s 3D model is applied to these speeches to interpret them at different levels. Collectively, the article’s approach is to cover the broader perspective of language use or misuse.