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Article published In:
Journal of Language and Politics
Vol. 18:6 (2019) ► pp.915–937

Discursive portrayal of Islam as “a part of America’s story” in Obama’s presidential speeches

ORCID logo | Alzahra University
| Alzahra University

This article investigates the image portrayed of Islam and Muslims in official speeches of the former US President, Barack Obama during his two terms in office. Applying qualitative data coding procedures and based on a Critical Discourse Studies (CDS) approach, we examine 377 speeches delivered in the period of 2009–2016 within the macro context of US involvements in contemporary international politics to uncover the discursive image of Islam and Islamic attributes projected and subtly reproduced over time by Obama during his presidency. The outcome comprises four major themes shaped around the notions of America’s fundamental values; Dialogue with Muslim communities; Defining good Islam; and Defining bad Muslims. Through a detailed discussion of the discursive construction of these themes and specifically referring to their lexical highlights, we illustrate aspects of Islam-related issues in the view of an American president.

Keywords: critical discourse studies, political discourse, presidential speech, Obama rhetoric, Islam
Article outline
  • 1.Introduction
  • 2.Background
  • 3.The study
  • 4.Findings and discussion
    • 4.1America’s fundamental values
      • 4.1.1Respect for humanity
      • 4.1.2Diversity and equality
      • 4.1.3Religious non-discrimination
    • 4.2Dialogue with Muslim communities
      • 4.2.1Common principles of tolerance
      • 4.2.2Common paths of progress
    • 4.3Defining good Islam
      • 4.3.1Seeking peace
      • 4.3.2Respecting America
    • 4.4Defining bad Muslims
      • 4.4.1Radicalization and extremism
      • 4.4.2Violence and terrorism
      • 4.4.3Anti-Americanism
  • 5.Conclusion
  • References
Published online: 9 August 2019
DOI logo
https://doi.org/10.1075/jlp.18023.mir
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