Discourse Analysis of Wedding Vows in the USA

Student: Iliushchenkova Anastasiia

Educational Programme: Foreign Languages and Intercultural Communication (Bachelor)

Year of Graduation: 2024

Abstract This thesis is dedicated to the discourse analysis of the genre of wedding vows in U.S. wedding ceremonies. The primary goal of the study is to identify the rhetorical elements used in wedding speeches. It aims to examine the lexical and phonetic features that newlyweds may employ to achieve their pragmalinguistic goal of expressing their love. The research niche of this study lies in investigating the rhetorical devices used by the bride and groom in their vows to each other. While previous research has focused on the characteristics of wedding ceremonies, their stages, attire and attributes, gender features of this speech genre, the use of linguistic and stylistic techniques, and the pragmatic uniformity of wedding vows, this study focuses on identifying the most common grammatical, phonetic, and lexical techniques.By analyzing the lexical, grammatical, and phonetic features used in wedding vows, the study seeks to uncover common traits that can be emphasized in wedding speeches. The research aims to highlight the persuasive power of language in the wedding process, through which love is explained. By examining 12 weddings and analyzing the vows made by couples at these events, the study aims to identify patterns and similarities in the rhetorical features used. Through the study of actual wedding speeches, the research seeks to gain insight into the rhetorical devices used by newlyweds to achieve their pragmalinguistic goals.The study also employs critical discourse analysis. Through the critical discourse analysis of the newlyweds' statements, the research aims to identify the lexical, grammatical, and phonetic features that may be used to achieve the pragmalinguistic goal. By conducting a thorough analysis of the language used by newlyweds in their wedding vows, the study can contribute to the understanding of how rhetorical features are used by couples to construct their vows. Keywords: Discourse analysis, rhetoric, rhetorical devices, pragmalinguistics, pragmalinguistic goals, wedding vow

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