ABSTRACT

Many scholars have researched Obama’s speech styles; however, most of their studies are done from the angle of rhetorical devices or pragmatic approaches. Under the theory of argumentation, and combined with the existing researches, this study analyzes a speech by Obama in 2006 - Katrina Reconstruction Contracts and US Toll in Iraq from the perspective of argumentative discourse and image restoration.

The aim of this study is to find out the relationship between argumentative discourse and image restoration. 

The main finding of this research is that the effective use of argumentative discourse can help to repair the government’s images and reputation after an emergent crisis. 

Key words: Obama; Katrina; Argumentative Discourse; Image Restoration

CONTENTS

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

ABSTRACT

摘要

Chapter One  INTRODUCTION-1

Chapter Two  LITERATURE REVIEW-3

  2.1 Studies on Argumentative Discourse-3

 2.1.1 Definition of argumentation-3

 2.1.2 Argumentation strategies-3

 2.1.3 Argumentative discourse and image restoration-4

  2.2 Studies on Obama’s Speeches-5

 2.2.1 Figures of speech in Obama’s speeches-5

 2.2.2 Pragmatic features of Obama’s speeches-7

  2.3 Summary-8

Chapter Three   ANALYSIS OF ARGUMENTATION STRATEGIES OF OBAMA'S KATRINA SPEECH-9

  3.1 Argumentation by Association-9

3.1.1 Quasi-logical argumentation 9

3.1.2 Argumentation based on the structure of reality 10

3.1.3 Argumentation establishing the structure of reality   10

  3.2 Argumentation by Disassociation -11

Chapter Four  ARGUMENTATIVE DISCOURSE EVALUATION OF

OBAMA'S KATRINA SPEECH-13

  4.1 Image Restoration Techniques Used in Obama's Katrina Speech   13

  4.2 Effects of Argumentative Discourse Strategies on Image Restoration   14

Chapter Five  CONCLUSION-16

REFERENCES-18

APPENDIX-19