Pronominal Selection and Its Functions in Presidential Speeches

Abstract

This paper discusses the organization, selection and distribution of pronouns within the four selected presidential speeches, two from the former president Clinton, and the other two from President Bush (Jr.). It is argued that personal attitude and political ideologies can be reflected in the use of pronouns. And it is also argued that strategies used by the two presidents are quite similar, in spite of their differences in party background, political viewpoints and policies. And the reason for this is that they embrace similar purposes when delivering their speeches. So it is obvious that, for a speaker esp. a politician, to better fulfill their aims, they should attach more significance to the employment of the pronominal system.