PRAGMATIC ASPECTS OF POLITICAL COMMUNICATION

Abstract

This article examines the role of presupposition in the formation of political communication pragmatics. It highlights that political discourse is shaped by the conditions set by participants, where the speaker’s primary aim is to persuade the audience. The use of pragmatic presuppositions allows speakers to subtly influence listeners without explicitly stating certain information. The study explores how hidden meanings in political speeches are linked to the speaker’s stance and how listeners interpret them based on their psychological state. An example from British Prime Minister Tony Blair’s 2002 speech on Northern Ireland illustrates the practical use of presupposition in political rhetoric. The article concludes that presuppositions play a significant role in shaping audience perception in political communication.