The Representation of Riyad Mansour’s Speech Palestinian Ambassador in UN General Assembly: A Critical Discourse Analysis

Abstract

This study aims to explore the text structure and social context of the Ambassador of Palestine at the United Nations Riyad Mansour speech text. This is a kind of qualitative analytical research using van Dijk’s Critical Discourse Analysis framework. The data comprised the form of words, phrases, clauses, and sentences that show the positioning of Palestine in the speaker’s speech examined through levels of analysis: description of text structure, and explanation of social context. Riyad Mansour's speeches at the United Nations serve to spotlight Palestinian humanitarian crises and injustices. In superstructure elements, his speeches are structured into opening, content, and closing segments. In the microstructure element, the researcher focuses on analysing the rhetorical aspect of Riyad Mansour's speech such as rhetorical questions, repetition, and metaphors. These elements captivate the audience, stirring emotions and fostering a deeper connection between speaker and listener. By prompting reflection on the consequences of indifference, Mansour challenges and reshapes perceptions of the Palestinian conflict. The social context underlying the discourse production is the representation of Riyad Mansour as the Permanent Observer of the State of Palestine to the United Nations. Mansour’s speech at the United Nations provides a powerful platform to address a global audience, amplifying his voice and the Palestinian narrative to influence international discourse and policy, symbolizing the Palestinian struggle on a world stage.