THE ROLE OF DISCURSIVE STRATEGIES IN CONSTRUCTING POLITICAL LEGITIMACY: A CRITICAL DISCOURSE ANALYSIS OF MARYAM NAWAZ SHARIF’S INAUGURAL SPEECH

Abstract

Political speeches are central to shaping public discourse, as they motivate people toward collective goals and serve as powerful tools of political communication. These speeches convey ideological meanings through distinct linguistic choices and strategic rhetorical devices, influencing public perception and social attitudes. It has been observed that a number of studies are available on the political speeches of different political leaders, but limited research has focused on the inaugural speech of the current Chief Minister of Punjab, Maryam Nawaz Sharif, particularly in relation to her use of gendered metaphors and linguistic strategies to construct political legitimacy. Applying a qualitative approach, this study draws data from the official inaugural speech delivered by Maryam Nawaz. Thereby Using Fairclough’s Critical Discourse Analysis framework under the umbrella term of critical discourse theory, the current study aims to focus on the inaugural speech of the current Chief Minister of Punjab, Maryam Nawaz Sharif, particularly in relation to her use of discursive strategies to construct political legitimacy. The findings of the study show that Maryam Nawaz Sharif uses gendered familial metaphors like sister, mother and daughter to build political legitimacy through cultural familiarity and emotional connection. Furthermore, she employs reconciliatory tones, gratitude and unifying language to represent herself as a unifying political leader. Finally, the findings also reveals that her discourse challenges traditional gender norms by blending culturally accepted femininity with political strength, thereby reframing women’s leadership in Pakistan.