century. There are a lot of works dedicated to different aspects of political discourse;
still there are subjects not enough investigated. The task of the present work is not to discuss
general questions of discourse analysis. It offers the results of the study of political speeches
dedicated to the topic of Iraqi war.
The actuality of the work consists in the fact that it makes cognitive-linguistic analysis of
discourse about Iraqi war, which helps to some extent to reveal the mechanisms of influencing
mass consciousness and to modify it by manipulating information and language.
Analyzing the pragmatic aspects of using language, we will consider mostly lexical level
of the language. The methods of analysis are the method of functional-semantic fields; the
componential sense analysis – the meaning of the term is decomposed into minimal semes; the
elements of statistical analysis are applied – the frequency of usage of certain lexical units is
estimated.
The stylistics of communication of the power with the people has changed. The idea of
the unity and the need of the power in the support of each citizen are emphasized. It is revealed in
frequent addressing to people like dear friends, pretty good company, good folks, which erases
the distance between power and ordinary people. The American national idea is strongly stressed
and repeated in different ways. This is realized through frequent usage of lexemes America,
American nation, our (your) nation, our (your) country, our citizens, our families, to stand up for
America.
A group of lexemes connected with the topic of war – military, combat missions, global
war, enemies, destroy, guards, courage, threat, to mobilize forces, to serve etc.
As always during wars the theme of patriotism is raised, which is supported by the
lexemes defend the country, courage, bravery, etc. of the citizens, on which the country depends,
time if sacrifice, etc.
Another point is the integration of the idea of global mission of the US to save the world
from the terrorism into mass consciousness. The whole range of lexemes has got new
connotations to serve this aim. These are e. g. terrorism, terrorist threat, terrorist attack, global
war, dangerous enemies, terrorist hateful ideology that rejects tolerance and crushes all dissent,
etc. As opposite to the topic of war and as alternative to the ideology of terrorists American way
of life is described, which actualized lexemes like piece, high level of life, family, love, i.e. eternal
human values, which are shown to be fought for by Americans.
The mechanism with immense psychological effect is appellation to the notions of
freedom, liberty, democracy, safety, security of the country, citizens and their families. As the
nation with more than two hundred history of democracy, Americans value freedom and liberty
above all. These two lexical units have got an immense number of collocations and usages
(freedom of thought, word, religion, etc.). The use of them appeals to each citizen with his own
understanding of freedom of liberty. Safety and security are other notions inherent in the
American understanding of normal way of life. Conversations about danger appeal therefore,
both to the mind and emotions, which makes the influence much stronger.
Terrorism is seen as the danger to safety and security of Americans and their families, and
something that wants to destroy their way of life, freedoms of Americans and liberty of their
country. The usage of the lexeme terrorism has changed lately; its meaning was expanded to
serve the task of justifying by no means unjust war in Iraq, covering it with honorable aims.
In summary, the whole ideology is developed, to support the view on Iraqi people as
terrorists who threaten the world society. This ideology is poured on ordinary Americans and