Theoretical Approaches to English
Language and Literature
May/June 2024
Exam Answers
28 May 2024
All The Best and Please Give Us a Review!
QUESTION 1: Language Theory
Introduction
Political manifestos are crucial tools for parties worldwide as they articulate promised
policies and suggest changes to the current status quo. The language in these
documents reflects the party’s ideology, goals, and strategies to attract voters.
Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) can be applied to uncover underlying power
dynamics and ideological biases in such texts. This essay uses CDA to analyze the
manifesto of Umkhonto Wesizwe (MK) Party, particularly focusing on Pillar 1, “The
People’s Mandate.” Through CDA, we aim to uncover insights into the party’s values,
priorities, and its anticipated impact on the populace, highlighting the use of the word
"catillate" to emphasize and elucidate various points.
Understanding Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA)