Political Power in Jacinda Ardern’s Valedictory Speech: A Socio-cultural Perspective

This research focuses on analyzing political speeches to uncover cues of power, particularly those delivered by Jacinda Kate Laurell Ardern. The study employs the Critical Discourse Analysis Approach (CDA) utilizing Fairclough’s socio-cultural approach, to explore the ideology and power relations embedded in both covert and overt messages within discourse. It emphasizes that power is not only conveyed through linguistic forms but is also manifested in the personal mindset and convictions of the leader. The research places a spotlight on Jacinda Ardern, aiming to understand her linguistic power, including the directness of speech and the firmness/softness of expression. The study incorporates a historical overview of discourse analysis, tracing its evolution from structural linguistic components to the current stage of Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA). CDA, as an interdisciplinary approach, explores language as a social and ideological practice, unveiling hidden meanings, assumptions, and values in social interactions.