Lexico-Semantic Manipulative Devices in the 2016 U.S. Presidential Debates

Abstract

This study examines some of the lexico-semantic manipulative devices in the 2016 U.S. presidential debates between Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump. The lexico-semantic manipulative devices included in this study are conceptual metaphors, equivocations, and emotive language. The study concluded that Donald Trump used the three lexico-semantic manipulative devices more than his opponent. It also indicated that while emotive language was the most dominant used device, equivocations are the least used. It also showed that of the twenty different categories of conceptual metaphors, object metaphors were the most used category. The study also concluded that the different categories of conceptual metaphors help in both making the abstract ideas clearer and creating the image of the two candidates' political persona. The study clarified the important role played by the emotive language in evoking the audiences' emotions and feelings. The study also concluded that manipulation can easily finds its way through the skillful use of the four categories of equivocations (sender, receiver, context, and content).