Functional Peculiarities of Metaphorical Models in Brazilian Presidential Discourse

Abstract

The paper analyzes functional peculiarities of the main metaphorical models in the discourse of two most significant political figures in Brazil at the moment: ex-president L.I. da Silva (2003–2010) and current president J. Bolsonaro (since 2018). The research required application of an integrated approach to metaphor as both a mental, discursive and culturally conditioned phenomenon. Metaphorical models in the individual presidential discourse are understood as backbone elements of discourse, interconnected and non-existent outside the discursive field. The material for the study was comprised of the scripts of presidents' public speeches, published in the media and on the official website of the President of Brazil. The author shows that in the discourse of L.I. da Silva, the metaphorical model "governance – playing football" prevails, while in the discourse of J. Bolsonaro dominates the model "governance – marriage". The study stresses that the source sphere of the metaphorical model is represented by a concept that is of high importance both for the personal and national concept sphere, what is consistent with the main goal of the presidential discourse. The paper claims that metaphorical models play an important role in the implementation of the self-presentation strategy by the discourse subject, specifying his role status. The research has proved that this function is implemented due to the use of president's figure as one of the elements of target domain, and the peculiarities are stipulated by the element of source sphere, which is projected upon it.