Imran Khan's and Narendra Modi's Speeches at the United Nations General Assembly: A Meta-Functional Analysis

Abstract

This study investigates the political speeches delivered by Imran Khan and Narendra Modi, the prime minister of Pakistan and India, respectively, at the 74th session of the United Nations General Assembly in 2019. Using Halliday’s meta-functional perspective, the study examines how the two leaders employed meta-functional devices encompassing ideational, interpersonal, and textual elements to enhance the effectiveness of their speeches in addressing critical issues. The analysis centers on investigating transitivity processes, the functional roles of participants, and the presence of circumstantial elements for a thorough comprehension of the speeches. By identifying both similarities and differences and scrutinizing the role played by the three metafunctions, the study sheds light on the political ideologies conveyed through the selected speeches. Overall, both speakers adeptly employed meta-functional devices to express ideas and convey meaning, albeit with distinct emphases and approaches. Imran Khan's speech exhibited a more emotive and persuasive tone, whereas Narendra Modi's speech adopted a factual and informative tone. The ideational analysis of these speeches provides valuable insights into the strategic use of language for expressing ideas and presenting arguments in a political discourse.