Critical Discourse Analysis of Tahir-ul-Qadri and Imran Khan’s Dharna 2014 Speeches: A Comparative Analysis

Abstract

This study is done to explore the two-dimensional power play (Fairclough, 1989) in Dharna 2014 speeches of Imran khan and Tahir-ul-Qadri. Considering the two dimensions, power within discourse and power behind discourse, the research method applies thematic analysis and utilizes Fairclough’s three dimensional model (1989) as data analysing tool. All the speeches of Dharna 2014 which are available on the internet are analyzed by considering Textual, Discursive and Societal levels of discourse provided by Fairclough 3D Model. The findings established that discourses have the capacity to form and being formed by social practices.. The research would enable common public of Pakistan to understand their politicians in terms of the concept of power by comprehending the meaning that language conveys.