In this paper, attempts are made to analyze the use of rhetorical devices in Hillary Clinton’s speeches. The analytical framework of the study is adapted from So (2005) which synthesizes Tribble’s (2002) framework with the SFL’s notion of metafunction of language. | A SYSTEMIC FUNCTIONAL PERSPECTIVE ON THE USE OF RHETORICAL DEVICES IN HILLARY CLINTON’S SPEECHES Pham Thi Minh Phuong* Department of Language Training and Professional Development, VNU University of Languages and International Studies, Pham Van Dong, Cau Giay, Hanoi, Vietnam Received 23 January 2017 Revised 19 May 2017; Accepted 22 May 2017 Abstract: In this paper, attempts are made to analyze the use of rhetorical devices in Hillary Clinton’s speeches. The analytical framework of the study is adapted from So (2005) which synthesizes Tribble’s (2002) framework with the SFL’s notion of metafunction of language. The data of the research contain ten Hillary Clinton’s speeches from 2010 to 2016. Both the quantitative and qualitative methods are adopted to analyze the data. The results show that in certain contextual factors, five rhetorical devices including metonymy, repetition, irony, metaphor, and parallelism are exerted; and two last listed devices are employed the most frequently. The use of five rhetorical devices not only contributes to creative expression of message, but also boosts up persuasive effects on the audience. Keywords: rhetorical devices, Systemic Functional Linguistics 1. Introduction For years, the relationship between language and politics has been of great interest to many scholars and researchers. As a typical example, Joseph (2006) states that language is political from top to bottom by exemplifying the numerous ways in which politics and language interact and are ultimately dependent upon one another. Thanks to that connection, it is obvious that language is one of the most effective instruments of persuasion. Accordingly, almost all of the politicians are good at eloquence. Hilary Clinton, whether in the role of the First Lady of the United States, as the Head of Department of State, or as a presidential candidate, has long been famous for her intelligence, strategic position, ambition, and eloquence. The speeches she made have * Tel.: .
