Example linguistics dissertation topic 4:

The use of metaphor as motivator for change: Differences in Obama’s rhetoric between the 2008 and 2012 presidential elections.

The use of metaphor, not only by Barack Obama, but also by aides and spokesmen and in his publicity material, over the course of his two presidential campaigns is examined in this thesis. Obama uses metaphor persuasively to reach differentiated sectors of the American electorate, and such use is both deliberate and consistent. Particular attention is paid to race- or slavery-related metaphor as a means of mobilising the ‘black’ vote in the Obama campaign. Additionally, the dissertation notes the use of metaphor by journalists in describing Obama’s policies and objectives and speculates on the extent to which journalistic support in this form contributed to Obama’s success in 2008.

Suggested initial topic reading:

• Burnes, S. (2011). ‘Metaphors in press reports of elections: Obama walked on water, but Musharraf was beaten by a knockout’, Journal of Pragmatics, Vol. 43(8), pp. 2160-2175.
• Charteris-Black, J. (2006). Politicians and rhetoric: The persuasive power of metaphor. Basingstoke: Palgrave MacMillan.
• Darsey, J. (2009). ‘Barack Obama and America’s journey’, Southern Communication Journal, Vol. 74(1), pp. 88-103.