Abstract:
This study aimed at investigating and analyzing metaphors made by
Obama in his State of the Union Addresses. Moreover, it explored the
functions of applying these metaphors as one of the most common used
rhetorical devices in the American political discourse. Only three types
of metaphors were discussed with regard to their applications and
effects in State of the Union Speeches. These metaphors were: War
metaphors, creation and construction metaphors, and journey
metaphors.This study investigated the functions of these metaphors in
specific contexts to uncover the hidden meanings beyond the Obama’s
usage of these metaphors; and to provide those English learners and
students who are not well informed of metaphors and figurative language
with special techniques used in political discourse to make speeches more
powerful. Finally, Through the detailed study and analysis, it can
beconcluded that metaphors are widely used in Obama's political
discourse. However, the study provided some suggestions for further
studies on analyzing other types of metaphors in state if the union
speeches not included in this study.
