Conceptual metaphors in Volodymyr Zelensky’s political discourse

Abstract

The article aims at identifying and analysing conceptual metaphors in Volodymyr Zelensky’s political discourse, their rhetorical effect on the target audience, the role and functions within the context of war. The consequences of this war are globally relevant because the geopolitical situation in the region, the future of the EU and its member states, especially Poland, the Baltic States and the EU candidate Moldova, are highly dependent on the end of this war. The research was conducted within conceptual framework which encompasses political discourse in the context of Russian invasion of Ukraine, conceptual metaphors, aimed at Ukraine, Russia and the global community, and focuses on their significance in the context of war.  The most prevalent conceptual metaphors, identified in Zelensky’s discourse, are – WAR IS A JOURNEY, STATE IS A BUILDING, WAR IS A GAME and STATE IS A PERSON. Their rhetorical effect is to form an intended positive image of Ukraine and a negative image of Russia, to define who is a victim and who is an enemy in this war. Furthermore, the real perception of the situation, based on conceptual metaphors, might attract more support in the form of armament, stricter sanctions against Russia and, eventually, lead to the victory.