Political Discourse and Strategic Communication: A Pragma-Stylistic Analysis of Imran Khan’s Interview with Deutsche Welle

Abstract

This study explores how Imran Khan uses language strategically during his interview with Deutsche Welle (DW) on July 15, 2023, to shape public perception and communicate his political views. It looks at how Khan uses different language techniques, drawing on Grice’s theory of conversational implicature and Searle’s Speech Act Theory. These frameworks help analyze how Khan crafts his message through various speech acts—such as statements, requests, promises, and expressions—while also examining how he uses indirect communication (like implicatures) and specific stylistic choices (tone, word choice, rhetorical devices) to influence his audience. The findings show that Khan leverages these linguistic tools not only to assert his political position but also to build credibility and subtly guide how the public interprets key issues. His careful use of presuppositions and indirect messaging helps him frame political topics in a way that aligns with his broader objectives. By examining this interview, the study contributes to a deeper understanding of how political figures use language to control and direct discourse, revealing the complex relationship between language, power, and persuasion. It also opens the door for further research into how different politicians use similar strategies in varying contexts to influence public opinion. Additionally, the study investigates stylistic features such as tone, lexical choice, and rhetorical devices, alongside presuppositions that underpin Khan’s statements. And the findings reveal that Khan’s use of implicatures, speech acts, stylistic features, and presuppositions effectively enhances his rhetorical strategies, demonstrating a sophisticated interplay between language, context, and political objectives. This study contributes to the fields of pragma-stylistics and political communication by offering insights into the linguistic tactics of a prominent political figure, thus highlighting the intricate relationship between language and political power.