A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF THE SPEECHES OF IMRAN KHAN, NARENDRA MODI AND RECEP TAYYIP ERDOGAN AT UN GENERAL ASSEMBLY:A CRITICAL DISCOURSE ANALYSIS

Abstract

This study examines the use of metaphors in the United Nations General Assembly speeches of Imran Khan, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and Narendra Modi to explore how political leaders employ figurative language as a strategic tool for persuasion and ideological framing. Drawing on conceptual metaphor theory, the analysis categorizes and compares metaphor types—including journey, direction, war, peace, visual, and religious metaphors—across the leaders’ speeches. Findings reveal that while all three leaders use metaphors to address themes of peace, justice, and development, their metaphorical choices reflect distinct political priorities and cultural contexts. Imran Khan’s discourse demonstrates a higher diversity of metaphors, emphasizing moral direction, socio-political struggles, and religious imagery. Modi’s metaphors project India’s developmental journey, leadership aspirations, and resilience, while Erdogan’s metaphors highlight unity, humanitarian responsibility, and geopolitical relevance. The study concludes that metaphors in political discourse function as powerful cognitive and rhetorical devices, enabling leaders to simplify complex issues, evoke emotional engagement, and shape global perception.