ABSTRACT
This study examines Propaganda in Politics: The use of language for effect in electioneering campaign.
Words perform actions. Language and in fact words, have different functions, and according to J.L. Austin’s Speech Act Theory, which is the theoretical framework upon which this work is based, written and spoken expressions have a particular effect that they should have on the listener.
Political candidates ornament their words and language in a unique way to give effect and extra force to their message during electioneering campaign, in order to achieve their main objective of winning the votes of the electorates.
Propaganda is one major tool used by political campaigners to influence the opinion of the public. Propaganda could be expressed through exaggeration, repetition, abusive utterances, rhetorical questions, biblical citations, word coinage, vagueness, and metaphorical expressions.
Language use in politics, especially in electioneering campaign is appealing and persuasive.
