FUNCTIONS OF METAPHOR IN AMERICAN POLITICAL DISCOURSE

Abstract

The study examines the phenomenon of metaphorization in the contemporary American political process. The author emphasizes that the functional purpose of political metaphors is multifaceted: they perform a variety of roles, making them one of the central mechanisms of modern political discourse. Studying functions of metaphor in American political communication is therefore crucial, as it enables in‑depth analysis and a more accurate understanding of political texts, revealing the hidden meanings of speeches, articles, and statements. This is particularly significant in the era of “hidden subtexts”, when political communication increasingly relies on symbols and images that carry diverse implicit meanings requiring semantic decoding. The article explores metaphorization as a systemic mechanism that simultaneously fulfills cognitive, manipulative, ideological, and stylistic functions, transforming political communication into a symbolic space where the struggle of ideas unfolds not only through arguments but also through images capable of influencing mass consciousness and becoming embedded in the nation’s cultural memory. Evidence is presented to show that American political metaphor has moved beyond being a mere rhetorical device and has become a strategic tool for managing perceptions, simplifying complex concepts, and emotionally mobilizing society. The methodological basis of the study lies in cognitive linguistics and semantic analysis, which make it possible to identify conceptual frameworks and examine their functioning in political communication. The scientific novelty of this work consists in the systematization of the functions of political metaphor and the identification of its role as a universal tool for conceptualizing and legitimizing political ideas within the development of contemporary American political culture and globalization. The practical value of the study lies in its potential application to the analysis of political communication strategies, the identification of manipulative frameworks, and the cultivation of critical thinking skills in interpreting American political discourse. It is concluded that metaphorization of the modern political process, particularly in the United States, is not a random phenomenon but a systemic mechanism that ensures cognitive simplification, communicative effectiveness, ideological legitimation, manipulative influence, and stylistic expressiveness. It transforms political discourse into a space of symbols and images, where the struggle of ideas is conducted not only at the level of arguments but also at the level of metaphorical meanings.