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Variation in Political Metaphor
Edited by Julien Perrez, Min Reuchamps and Paul H. Thibodeau
[Discourse Approaches to Politics, Society and Culture 85] 2019
► pp. 131–150

Chapter 6
The use of sensorimotor-based concepts during and after presidential campaigns

Emmanuel Macron and Donald Trump

Sensorimotor-based concepts (SBCs), a variation of political metaphors, are frequently used in political discourse. The particular challenge with these kinds of metaphors is that for a long time they have kept a low profile. SBCs are basic level concepts and can be used, not only frequently, but also iteratively to convey a subliminal story line. The present paper seeks to call attention to SBCs and to the extent to which this subgroup of metaphors orchestrates a wide range of precise, persuasive functions, by discussing differences in their usage during the French and U.S. presidential campaigns; in particular, in the speeches of Emmanuel Macron and Donald Trump before and after their respective election.

Keywords: political discourse analysis, Sensorimotor-Based Concepts (SBCs), conceptual anchoring points, conceptual parameters, frames, Emmanuel Macron, Donald Trump, Hillary Clinton, Marine Le Pen, François Fillon
Article outline
  • 1.Sensorimotor-based concepts (SBCs) a variation of political metaphors
  • 2.SBCs as a non-exclusive persuasive device of the winning candidates
  • 3.Salient SBCs used by Emmanuel Macron before and after his election
  • 4.Salient SBCs used by Donald Trump before and after his election
  • 5.Conclusion
  • Notes
  • References
Published online: 6 August 2019
DOI logo
https://doi.org/10.1075/dapsac.85.06str
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