Reflecting the Image of the Nation and Authority in the Public Discourse of Chilean President Gabriel Boric: a Linguopragmatic Approach

Introduction. The article explores the representation of Chile in the public discourse of President Gabriel Boric, whose speeches embody the renewed rhetoric of a younger generation of political leaders attuned to societal change and public demands. The study’s originality lies in its analysis of how the image of a “renewed Chile” is constructed within the context of the nation’s cultural and ethnic diversity and its rapid socio-economic development, based on Boric’s public addresses from 2023 to 2025. The relevance of this research is underscored by the growing scholarly interest in persuasive strategies in Latin American political discourse, particularly from linguo-pragmatic and sociolinguistic perspectives. Methodology and sources. The theoretical and methodological framework draws on research in linguoculturology, image studies, political linguistics, and linguopragmatics. The empirical material comprises 250 speeches delivered by President Boric between December 2023 and September 2025. Results and discussion. The analysis reveals the linguistic means employed to construct Chile’s image, articulated through three dimensions: (a) the country, (b) the nation (the people), and (c) power (the political elite and the president). Within this framework, Chile is depicted as a strong and prosperous state, its people as hardworking and honest, and its leader as responsible and empathetic. The strategic use of emotional expression fosters closeness with the audience and highlights the leader’s active engagement in governance. Conclusion. In today’s sociopolitical context – marked by the need to intensify interethnic dialogue within national borders and enhance Chile’s international standing – Gabriel Boric’s public speeches display significant persuasive power. His communicative goals are supported by a triad of linguistic means: ideologemes, metaphors, and the verbalization of emotion. By articulating his own emotions and appealing to those of his listeners, Boric creates an additional channel for audience engagement. Two dominant motifs thus emerge in this emotional landscape: pride in the nation’s achievements and grief over national tragedies.

Authors: Irina V. Zaalishvili

Direction: Linguistics

Keywords: discourse of power, presidential discourse, public discourse, Gabriel Boric, Chile, verbalization of emotions, speech influence

                     

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