The Language of Persuasion in Politics and the Media

An Introduction

Alan Partington (University of Bologna, Italy)

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English

Routledge
09 July 2025

Sociolinguistics; Semantics; History: specific events & topics; Media studies; Political campaigning & advertising

This bestselling introductory textbook examines the relationship between politicians, the press and the public through the language they employ. Now fully revised with new material on delegitimisation, ‘fake news’, disinformation, (self-)censorship, ‘conspiracy theories’ and ‘Zombie’ narratives, key topics include:

Evaluation, the ‘engine’ of persuasion ‘Spin’, ‘spin control’ and ‘image’ politics Models of persuasion, including authority, contrast, problem-solution, association, 'garden path' Pseudo-logical and ‘post-truth’ arguments Humour, irony and satire Metaphors: use, misuse and dangers Election rhetoric

Extracts from speeches, soundbites, newspapers and blogs, social media, interviews, press conferences, election slogans and satires are used to provide the reader with the tools to discover the beliefs, character and hidden strategies of the would-be persuader, as well as the counter-strategies of their targets. This book demonstrates how the study of language use can help us appreciate, exploit and protect ourselves from the art of persuasion.

With a wide variety of practical examples, on both recent issues and historically significant ones, every topic is complemented with guiding tasks, queries and exercises, with keys and commentaries at the end of each unit. This highly original textbook is ideal for all introductory courses on language and politics, media language, rhetoric and persuasion, discourse studies and related areas.

By: Alan Partington (University of Bologna Italy)
Imprint: Routledge
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Edition: 2nd edition
Dimensions: Height: 234mm, Width: 156mm,
Weight: 870g
ISBN: 9781032662749
ISBN 10: 1032662743
Pages: 358
Publication Date: 09 July 2025
Audience: College/higher education , Primary
Format: Hardback
Publisher's Status: Active

Alan Partington has been Professor of English Linguistics at the Universities of Camerino and Bologna, Italy, at the School of Political Science and the Department for Interpreters and Translators. He is the author of The Linguistics of Political Argument and The Linguistics of Laughter, both published by Routledge, and was the founding editor-in-chief of the International Journal of Corpora and Discourse.

Reviews for The Language of Persuasion in Politics and the Media: An Introduction

Praise for the previous edition: “The Language of Persuasion in Politics is a much-needed update on the linguistic arena where political battles are fought and won. Drawing on a wealth of sources the authors give an insight into the tools, rhetorical devices and persuasion techniques used by politicians worldwide, in a style both clear and accurate, unraveling the ultimate meaning of political jargon. This text-book is a must-have not only for students of a variety of courses on language and politics, media language and related areas of study, but also for all those who do not intend to be passive recipients of political communication.” Franca Piergallini, Università Cattolica del Sacre Cuore, Milan, Italy “This user-friendly, critical, contemporary introduction to political language addresses current affairs from a range of contexts and draws on a wealth of engaging examples. The book will be of interest to students as well as seasoned experts, reminding us all how language permeates, informs, and shapes the everyday world.” Rachelle Vessey, Carleton University, Ottawa, Canada