Discourse, Ideology and Youth Engagement: A Critical Analysis of Imran Khan's Speeches

Abstract

Language plays a crucial role in human beings' lives. Every culture has its own specification of words and dialect of speaking language. Through the language, politicians project their ideologies. The focus of this study is Imran Khan's chosen political addresses. This is a single-contextual research approach that employs a qualitative research methodology. Critical discourse analysis is used to examine language and power dynamics in discourse by analyzing the data. Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) is used in a qualitative research design to study Imran Khan's speeches and their influence on Pakistani youth. The Fairclough model—textual analysis, processing analysis, and socio-cultural analysis—is followed by the CDA framework in order to identify themes, metaphors, rhetorical devices, and framing tactics in the addresses. By conducting a thorough textual analysis, the study reveals how Khan built his political image and interacted with the public through the deliberate use of words, syntax, coherence, and rhetorical devices that define his addresses. The processing analysis reveals how Khan places himself in the larger political context of Pakistan by highlighting the interconnected and interdiscursive aspects of his discourse. Through a study of how Khan's speech conveys and shapes power dynamics, ideologies, and values within society, the socio-cultural analysis makes connections between these results and broader political and social frameworks. The results show that young people are greatly impacted by Khan's rhetoric, which shapes their opinions on political and social problems and influences their political activity.