Actualization of the temporal meaning in the olitician's speech (a case study of V. Putin's interviews)

A well-created image is the secret of success in the modern world, especially in the political sphere. Image is a complex mechanism; its successful functioning depends on the rational organization of all its elements. This article is aimed at investigating the temporal organization of the politician's speech. The material of the analysis consists of 50 V. Putin's interviews (2000-2010), particularly of about 300 utterances devoted to the military struggle as an important part of inter-state and domestic relations. The temporal meaning representatives are all the lexemes expressing temporal semantical components. Structural units of the temporal sphere are temporal plans of the past, the present and the future. They build the notion "time", which refers to definite categories of the human mind as well as notions "space", "fate" and others. V. Putin focuses in his speech primarily on the current epoch. In this case some utterances are devoted to the danger of terror, wars, etc. In other cases the politician is talking about complying with modern standards (usually fighting tools are meant). Temporal plans of the past and the future are modeled in relation to the present. The actualization of the future temporal meaning in V. Putin's speech is primarily connected with setting plans and giving promises. Linguistic means used with this purpose express his aiming at the result and set some perspectives. Moreover, temporal organization of the politician's utterances with the focus on the present and the future builds the image of a progressive politician and the head of a strong country. Comparing the present and the past, the politician demonstrates changes in the country and in the world within the history. Presenting modern problems as a result of past events exculpates the politician from their presence (from the historical point of view). Building logical chains of historical events characterizes V. Putin as an analyst. The significance of the past is underlined by verbalizing the themes of history and memory. Due to this the politician breaks time limits and expresses the immensity of his mind. Factual information (expressed through giving concrete dates, years, periods, results within all temporal plans: the present, the past and the future) helps to show some progress, better situation in the country or in the world and builds the image of a successful ruler aimed at progress.

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