Abstract: This thesis which is based on studies by Aristotle, Lakoff, Johnson and Sun Yi, proceeds from wide use of conceptual metaphor in political speeches, and tries to analyze different kinds of conceptual metaphor used in political speeches, including building metaphor, journey metaphor, light and fire metaphor and human metaphor. It aims at exploring and concluding the persuasive function of conceptual metaphor, as well as how it realizes its functions. The author focuses on the analysis of four kinds of conceptual metaphors which are used most frequently. Combining with many political speeches, the author inquires into persuasive function of conceptual metaphor and concludes five ways to realize its persuasive function: explanation, intention, emotion, evaluation and analogical reasoning.

Key words: political speech; conceptual metaphor; persuasive function 

CONTENTS

Abstract

摘要

1. Introduction1

2. Literature Review.1

2.1 Definition of Metaphor

2.2 Conceptual Metaphor Theory

2.3 Classifications of Metaphor

3. Introduction to Political Speech.4

3.1 Elucidation and Analysis of Political Speech

3.2 Relations between Political Speech and Conceptual Metaphor

4. Persuasive Function of Conceptual Metaphor in Political Speech5

4.1 Analysis of Conceptual Metaphor in Political Speech

4.1.1 Building Metaphor

4.1.2 Journey Metaphor

4.1.3 Light and Fire Metaphor

4.1.4 Human Metaphor

4.2 Persuasive Function of Conceptual Metaphor in Political Speech

  4.2.1 Metaphor and Explanation

4.2.2 Metaphor and Intention

4.2.3 Metaphor and Emotion

4.2.4 Metaphor and Evaluation

4.2.5 Metaphor and Analogical Reasoning

5. Conclusion11

Bibliography.12

Acknowledgements13