Tuazon, Clara Rafaela BSED-English 1C

Punzalan, Hailie Jade Stylistics and Discourse Analysis

Serrano, Barbie Ana July 16, 2023
Valiente, Rhea
Ruiz, Psalm Jemimah

DISCOURSE ANALYSIS:
THE INAUGURAL SPEECH OF FORMER AMERICAN PRESIDENT JOHN
F. KENNEDY

1. What is the discourse?

On January 20, 1961, John Fitzgerald Kennedy gave one of the few notable inauguration speeches in
American history and one of the best speeches ever. Kennedy's address served as a passionate call to action by
evoking the American dream and extending its promise to the rest of the world. Even though JFK's inaugural
speech was only thirteen minutes long, he managed to cover these important topics compellingly and memorably.
His inauguration speech is still praised for its audacious sentiments and elegant language. The inauguration
speech delivered by President John F. Kennedy was succinct and themed, using paradoxical turns of words that
alluded to melancholy and offered a fresh take on what it means to participate in politics. Many o f the words and
phrases used in the speech have become commonplace. The speech's main messages focused on inspiring civic
engagement and offering a comprehensive foreign policy strategy for Cold War America. The climax of the
speech, and the most memorable phrase - "Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for
your country" it was developed from an idea that Kennedy had long held in his head and had articulated in a
variety of ways.

2. Why does the discourse exist? What is the purpose and what are the aims of the discourse?

An Inaugural Speech, specifically in the political context, occurs when a politician oaths into his or her office,
making them the person in power. Inaugural speeches are intended to be someone's formal opportunity to express
thanks and inform the public about their aspirations as a leader. JFK's inauguration speech aimed to show how
courageously the United States was handling the problems brought on by the rising cold war. In addition to
advocating for democracy, he made a call for internal and international cooperation to address universal
humanitarian challenges. JFK's inaugural speech purpose is that his inaugural address would need to inspire
confidence at home and respect abroad as he took office amid the Cold War. He held that leaders must motivate
people to make sacrifices for the greater good if democracy is to flourish and that this can only happen when
citizens use their skills for the benefit of everyone.

3. When did the discourse take place?

President John F. Kennedy declared his inauguration speech on Friday, January 20, 1961.

4. Where did it happen?

The Inaugural Speech took place at the East Portico of the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C.

5. Who participated in the discourse? Who created and who consumed it?

John F. Kennedy, former president of America; delivered his inaugural speech in which he stated that "we shall
pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, and oppose any foe to assure the survival
and success of liberty." The Participant in Discourse is the speaker, who is JF Kennedy, and the Decoder is our
group, who participate in listening to and transcribing his inaugural speech.
 6. What does the discourse say about society in general?

JFK addresses his vision of America and sets his goals for his nation. For example, his quotations: "A man may
die, nations may rise and fall, but an idea lives on." His inaugural speech say about society is he fought to ensure
Equal rights and opportunities in all Americans. In his speech he also encouraged Americans to lift those less
fortunate than themselves he helps his community/ society to reach the impossible and “land a man on the moon
before the end of the decade” and that makes JF Kennedy known for “We choose the Moon”.

7. How is meaning being conveyed in the context of the discourse?

JFK speaks straight to the crowd to make his statement more clear. Kennedy employs this rhetorical technique
to convey his goal of world peace. In conclusion, Kennedy was able to engage the audience with his inaugural speech
through the use of rhetorical techniques. Through the use of repetition, pathos, and direct address, Kennedy was able to
convince the audience that peace and unity aren't that far away if people will work together in the right way.

8. DRAW a conclusion based on your analysis.

Former US President John F. Kennedy firmly and calmly addressed the discourse. His word
choice, utterances and statements in his Inaugural Speech had an extended impact on those who heard it. He
propelled America forward in the space race and mediated a nuclear crisis with the Soviet Union. In addition, the
discourse is not only an inauguration speech at that moment, but a proclamation of freedom and equality that has
been reached.