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Speech Analysis Barack Obama - Referat
The speech delivered by Barack Obama in December 2009 in the City Hall of Oslo, Norway for his acceptance of the Nobel Peace Prize and values the necessity of war in history and now.
The President introduces with a salutation and thanks the committee for receiving the prize (l.3 “I receive this honor with deep gratitude and great humility”). Getting the prize shows people are craving for peace and someone who fight against war and terrorism (ll. 3-4 “It is an award that speaks to our highest aspirations-…”). In addition the head of the US mentions by using the metaphor “…we are not mere prisoners of fate.” (l.4) people are not fated by destiny; they are able to change it by taking actions (l.5 “Our actions matter and can bend history in the direction of justice”). He spreads hope in the second at the first part. In addition Obama makes a joke (ll. 6-7) and mentions it is quite a long way to get peace (l.7 “…I am at the beginning and not at the end,…”). By saying his “accomplishments are sight” (l. 7), Obama plays his role down and refers to the controversy about himself. Equally he shows humility and praises other people who fight for justice before the President explains why he gets the prize and tells in which difficult situation America is situate (ll. 15- 19 “But perhaps the most profound issue surrounding my receipt of this prize…”).
After the explanation the tone becomes serious and the speaker begins to speak about war. Blaming himself for the current situation of many young soldiers (“…and I’m responsible for the development of thousands of young Americans…” ll. 20-21), he shows the cruelty of war by using the antithesis “Some will kill, and some will be killed” (l. 21). In addition the sentence consists of two short main clauses, which stays in the audience’s mind. Obama links war with negative words “like drought or disease” (l. 25) and underlines the destructive impact of violent conflicts and starts to talk about war in history.
Declaring he cannot solve the problem (ll. 32- 34 “I do not bring with me today a definitive solution to the problem of war.”), the President mentions the fact it is not possible to eliminate war. Furthermore, the head of America quotes Martin Luther King, an activist for civil rights and Nobel Peace Prize owner, and underlines with this quotation that violence is not helpful and he believes in the creed of Gandhi and King (ll. 39-43). In consequence of protecting his nation and citizens of America (l. 44 “But as a head of state sworn to protect and defend my nation), Obama justifies the necessity of war as well as he shows clearly that a non-violence movement cannot fight against the evil of the word (ll. “A non-violent movement could not have halted...”). The speaker points out, war is necessary and this statement refers to the lack of understanding of many people relating to the military action of the US. In addition the lack of comprehension is linked with a distrust of the United States (ll. 50-53). At the end of his speech, Obama highlights that the stability after World War II was not succeed with the peaceful way (ll. 53-54 “…it was not simply international institutions-not just treaties and declarations-...”). The head of state admits America’s mistakes but on the other hand he enhances America was responsible to get global security (ll. 55-56). Using the metaphors “blood of our citizens and the strength of our arms” (l.56), he underlines a violent conflict was necessary and many Americans died for the peace in Europe.
Making use of the personal pronoun “we” (l. “our world”) and “our” (l. 3-4 “…our highest aspirations…”), the President creates a community spirt underlines, every nation is involved in the fight for peace. The speaker uses formal style as well as complex sentences just as formal expressions. In consequence of using main clauses with a clear and easy structure the people being attract can understand his intention and are able to follow his argumentation (l.3 “I receive this honor with deep gratitude and great humility”). In addition, his target group is not limits everyone is able to understand the topic. By the fact war is the main topic the tone of the speech is predominantly serious. Obama also spreads hope and optimism at the introduction. The president addresses the crowd by using the technique of confusion with the aim that people think and discus about his speech.
Underlining peace is a gift, Barack Obama explains in which difficult situation he is situates. With his much knowledge as well as his serious tone he is very reliable and convinces the audience.
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