The role of metaphors in shaping political Rhetoric: An Analysis of King Hassan II's Speeches in Morocco

This study explores the strategic use of metaphors in the speeches of King Hassan II of Morocco, focusing on their role in constructing political legitimacy and fostering a cohesive national identity during the critical post-independence era. The research aims to uncover how metaphorical language was employed by King Hassan II to address political challenges, consolidate his authority, and connect with a diverse populace by evoking shared cultural, religious, and historical narratives. A qualitative content analysis was conducted on a corpus of King Hassan II’s speeches delivered between 1961 and 1999. These speeches were selected based on their thematic relevance to political legitimacy and nation-building. Conceptual metaphor theory served as the analytical framework, allowing for the identification and categorization of recurring metaphorical themes. The findings reveal that King Hassan II frequently employed three dominant categories of metaphors. Familial metaphors, which positioned him as the “father” of the nation, fostering a sense of unity and shared responsibility among citizens. Religious metaphors, which drew upon Morocco’s Islamic heritage to frame his authority as divinely ordained and morally guided. Journey metaphors, which presented Morocco as a nation on a purposeful path toward progress and modernization, with the king as its guide. These metaphorical frameworks were not only pivotal in reinforcing King Hassan II’s political legitimacy but also in shaping a collective national identity that resonated across Morocco’s socio-political spectrum. This study highlights the significant role of metaphorical language in political communication, offering insights into the broader relationship between discourse, power, and identity in Arab political contexts.