L’ETHOS, UNE STRATEGIE ENGLOBANTE AU SERVICE DU DISCOURS POLITIQUE / ETHOS, AN INCLUSIVE STRATEGY AT THE SERVICE OF POLITICAL DISCOURSE

Abstract

In recent years, political discourse, in particular diplomatic discourse, has increasingly fueled research in language sciences. From this perspective, Algerian-French relations, through their common past and the development of their exchanges in the aftermath of independence, is proving to be fertile ground in the field of discursive analysis. This article addresses the notion of ethos in political discourse of a diplomatic nature via a political address delivered during an official visit by Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika to France in 2000. It is very important in this study to consider the context of this speech. To this end, recourse to the prior image of Algerian-French relations as well as that of the political speaker is essential given that the primary ambition of a Head of State, setting out a political speech, is to build a selfimage that meets the expectations of the audience. This analysis involves going through the different discursive strategies implemented by the political speaker in anticipation of building a discursive ethos that would guarantee the credibility and effectiveness of his speech.

Keywords

• discourse analysis
• political speech
• ethos
• context
• discursive strategies