MB UNIUD

Now I am going to analyse the Obama's inauguration speech.

He speaks in an apparently informal linguistic register: he uses words like "fellow" or "humbled". This because he wants remain at the same level of the ordinary people.

But the register he uses is supported by a strict argumentative textual.

The Obama's inauguration speech is organized into 9 parts.

The first one is an introduction. He thanks the American citizens to support him and thanks also President Bush for his service and his co-operation.

The title of the second part is "Serious challenges". The function of this part is to explain the difficult situation that they must face. But also he says that the challenges are real and they are many.

The third part is called "Nation of risk-takers". The function of this part is to explain how he wants to overcome this crisis. Obama says that greatness is never a given and that it must be earned. It is necessary that there are the risk-takers, the doers and the makers of things.

The fourth part is "Remaking America". The function of this part is to explain what he wants to do to remake America. He says that America is the most prosperous and powerful nation on earth. But he adds that for everywhere you look there is work to be done: economy, new jobs, roads, bridges, electric grids, digital lines, science, technology, health care, environment, schools, colleges and universities.

The title of the fifth part is "Restoring trust". The function of this part is to explain that is very important to restore the vital trust between a people and their government. For example he refers to the difficult economic situation.

The sixth part is called "Ready to lead". The function of this part is to explain the position that America wants to have towards the other States. For example he refers to Iraq and Afghanistan. He adds that America is a friend of each nation and that they will defeat all the threats.

The seventh part is "Era of peace". The function of this part is to express a dream: the peace in the world. Obama adds an other thing to do: to help the people of poor nations.

The title of the eight part is "Duties". The function of this part is to explain the importance of the responsability. He remainds the values upon which American people's success depends: honesty, hard work, courage, tolerance,...

The last part called "Gift of freedom". The function of this part is to end the speech. He uses meaningful words to explain how they must face and overcome the difficulties.

Key words:

• task
• trust
• sacrifices
• oath
• people
• faithful
• ideals
• founding documents
• crisis
• nagging fear
• challenges
• hope
• unity of purpose
• risk-takers/the doers
• enduring spirit
• equal
• free
• happiness
• prosperity
• freedom
• growth
• courage
• friend
• peace
• dignity
• humility
• threats
• cooperation
• understanding
• duties
• liberty
• spirit of service
• determination
• values
• honesty
• hard work
• fair play
• tolerance
• curiosity
• loyalty
• patriotism
• responsability

Meaningful verbs:

I stand here today humbled by the task before us.

So it has been. Si it must be with this generation of Americans.

But know this, America, they will be met. (challenges)

On this day, we come to proclaim an end to the petty grievances.

The time has come to reaffirm our enduring spirit; to choose our better history.

It must be earned. (greatness)

They toiled,..., endured,..., fought and died.

Time and again these men and women struggled and sacrificed.

Starting today, we must pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and begin again the work of remaking America.

There is work to be done.

And we will act.

All this we can do. All this we will do.

We can restore the vital trust.

The market can spin out of control.

to lead

Guided by these principles once more.

And roll back the spectre of a warming planet.

We will defeat you.

We will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist.

For the world has changed, and we must change with it.

What is required of us now is a new era of responsability.

... than giving our all to a difficult task.

So let us mark this day with remembrance.

So let us brave once more the icy currents, and endure what storms may come.