INTERPERSONAL MEANINGS IN DIPLOMATIC DISCOURSE: SYSTEMIC FUNCTIONAL LINGUISTIC (SFL) ANALYSIS OF TRUMP’S 2025 SPEECH IN SAUDIA

Abstract

This study investigates the interpersonal and ideological positioning constructed in Donald J. Trump’s 2025 speech in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Systemic Functional Linguistics (SFL) served as the primary framework to examine interpersonal meta-function, focused on mood, modality, appraisal and pronoun, while as a supportive tool, Socio-cognitive Model (SCM) was incorporated to interpret the underlying ideologies and cognitive strategies of discourse. Qualitative methodology was used under the interpretivist paradigm. The research identified five prominent themes: respect and alliance, shared values and partnership, framing terrorism and closing appeal to unity. Findings of the study revealed that Trump used dominantly declaratives along with imperatives, modality and evaluative strategies to negotiate solidarity, equality, and partnership. Yet, he asserted authority, legitimized US political dominance, while SCM analysis revealed that cognitive schemata and ideology are used to answer how asymmetrical power relations are maintained subtly, where partnership and equality are staged. Under the umbrella of CDA, the study combined SFL’s rigour with SCM to present a holistic and instructive perception of political discourse. It encapsulates the inseparable link among language, ideology and diplomatic positioning in communication on internationally high-stakes.