"GENDERED LANGUAGE AND POWER:A STYLISTIC ANALYSIS OF IMRAN KHAN AND MARYAM NAWAZ’S SPEECHES"

Abstract

This research investigates how gendered language constructs and reflects political power through a comparative analysis of Imran Khan's two speeches as Prime Minister of Pakistan (2018) and Maryam Nawaz's  political addresses as the first female Chief Minister of Punjab (2023). Grounded in Sara Mills’ stylistic analysis framework, which emphasizes how language shapes power relations through gendered discourse, this study explores how two influential figures deploy rhetorical strategies to construct leadership identities in a patriarchal political context.The findings illustrate that gendered language is not only a reflection of societal norms but also a performative tool through which political figures navigate and contest power structures. The study contributes to feminist stylistics and discourse analysis by highlighting the intersection of gender, language, and power in political communication.