Political narrative in Latin American presidential discourse (based on the speeches of the Salvadorian and Chilean presidents)
- DOI
- 10.5922/vestnikpsy-2026-3-1
- Pages
- 5-18
Abstract
The article aims to describe the political narratives in the public discourse of Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele and Chilean President Gabriel Boric from a linguopragmatic perspective, based on their official speeches delivered over the past three years (2022—2025). The principal research method is Critical Discourse Analysis, within which presidential discourse is viewed as an effective instrument for influencing the audience’s consciousness and behavior. The study found that three dominant narratives prevail in N. Bukele’s discourse: (a) El Salvador is a safe country; (b) El Salvador is an advanced country; and (c) El Salvador is a country of universal prosperity. Four leading narratives were identified in the discourse of G. Boric: (a) Chile is the leading country in the region; (b) Chile is a multicultural and multiethnic state; (c) Chile is a democratic country; and (d) Chile is a reliable partner in the international arena. The principal linguistic means of representing these narratives are metaphors, lexical repetition, and ideologemes (of integrative semantics and value-cultural code). The theoretical significance of the study lies in advancing the understanding of the specific features of political narrative in Latin American discourse, as well as in identifying the mechanisms of its linguistic representation, thereby providing a foundation for further research into the discursive practices of other state leaders. The practical significance of the study is determined by the possibility of applying the findings in the training of specialists in linguistics, political science, and regional studies.