Language
The language used by Donald Trump in his inaugural address can be described as simple and easy to understand, but it can also be seen as filled with dark, gloomy imagery. The speaker generally uses plain language that can be easily grasped by wider audiences, although he does mix in formal words on occas…
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Choice of words
The choice of words creates a very dark picture of the US, with many phrases that generate negative images: “forgotten men and women” (l. 35), “trapped in poverty” (l. 44), “factories scattered” (l. 45), “unrealized potential” (l. 49), “American carnage” (l. 50), etc.
The speaker also uses words with positive connotations, related to the future of the US during his presidency: “historic movement” (l. 37), “new national pride” (l. 116), “great schools” (l. 40), “good…
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Sentence structure
The speech clearly sounds like it has been prepared in advance. The speaker does not use interjections or fragmented sentences but short and to the point ones: “What truly matters is not which party controls our government, but whether our government is controlled by the people.” (ll. 31-32); …
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Tone
To better grasp the speaker’s tone, we encourage you to look at the video of the speech, as well as at the text. Although the choice of words already reflects a serious, even somber tone, looking at the video will make this even clearer.
Throughout the speech, Donald Trump has a serious face, looking from side to side to the audience and constantly making hand gestures, all of which suggest a determined and serious tone.
When he specifically addresses the audience, he …
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Symbols and propaganda
In the speech, Donald Trump uses American factories as a symbol of the working-class, and the US flag as a symbol of patriotism: “Politicians prospered, but the jobs left, and the factories closed.” (l. 21); “…and we all salute the same great American flag.” (ll. 120-121)
Donald Trump’s speech has also been described as propagandistic –meaning that he included misleading information to promote his point o…
