Exploring the Cognitive and Semiotic Structuring of English Political Discourse: Implications for EFL Teaching

Abstract

The paper delves into the cognitive and semiotic structuring of English political discourse and its implications for English as Foreign Language (hereinafter – EFL) teaching. The study aims to identify the linguistic means of concept verbalization and analyze their role in reproducing the cognitive and semiotic space in the discourse. The study’s findings suggest that English political discourse’s conceptual sphere is realized through linguistic signs designating cultural values relevant to American society. The analysis shows that the concepts PEOPLE, DEMOCRACY, and POWER are characterized by the highest frequency of usage in the analyzed corpus. The former are the symbols of national identity and contribute to better world discretization and reality structuring in the American people’s minds. By understanding the cognitive and semiotic structuring of English political discourse, EFL teachers can better equip their students to communicate effectively in the target language and develop their critical thinking and intercultural communicative skills.