The discursive representation of places significant for an individual : an analysis of Polish academic year inauguration speeches and American commencement addresses

Abstract

The aim of the study is to conduct an analysis of the discursive representation of places in Polish academic year inauguration speeches and American commencement addresses. The representations of places have been divided into two categories, depending on the function of the place involved: (1) place as an element of the context of situation; and (2) place contributing to the formation of the individual identity. The analysis of selected academic year inauguration speeches delivered in Polish universities and commencement speeches delivered in American universities has been conducted within the Discourse-Historical Approach, one of the main approaches to Critical Discourse Analysis.