INTERTEXTUALITY IN POLITICAL DISCOURSE

Abstract

Intertextuality as a rhetorical device plays a crucial role in political discourse, it helps political leaders to persuade people in the importance and relevance of their ideas and principles by emphasizing common values through references to history, cultural traditions, and religious beliefs. By means of such intertextual devices as quotations, allusions, references, and indirect speech political actors draw on shared background knowledge and cultural memory to strengthen the influence of their messages and ensure their credibility and trustworthiness. Intertextuality is actively used in political discourse to perform such functions as legitimizing power, delegitimizing opponents, constructing collective identity, persuading, shaping political reality, ensuring historical continuity, and maintaining or contesting power relations. At the same time, such forms of intertextuality as conversationalized discursive practices are actively employed, including through social networks, to influence audiences and strengthen the connection between speakers and listeners. It helps build relationships with the audiences, create an impression of proximity and engagement, making political communication more effective.