Strategic verbal humour in political leadership: a case study of Tun Dr. Mahathir bin Mohamed
This research is a pioneering exploration into the strategic use of verbal humour by Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamed, a prominent figure in Malaysian politics renowned for his tenure as the twice-elected Prime Minister. Through qualitative content analysis, this study examines excerpts from Tun Dr Maha...
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| Format: | Conference or Workshop Item |
| Language: | en |
| Published: |
2024
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| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://eprints.uthm.edu.my/12327/1/P17267_48093388b1a4aa0be68ac02bdc0ea8ec.pdf%201.pdf http://eprints.uthm.edu.my/12327/ https:/ /doi.org/10.30880/dils.2024.04.02.004 |
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| Summary: | This research is a pioneering exploration into the strategic use of verbal
humour by Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamed, a prominent figure in
Malaysian politics renowned for his tenure as the twice-elected Prime
Minister. Through qualitative content analysis, this study examines
excerpts from Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamed's first press conference after
being sworn in as Malaysia's seventh Prime Minister to classify the
types of verbal humour he employs. The analysis reveals a multifaceted
use of humour, encompassing self-deprecating humour, sarcasm,
hyperbole, and irony, each serving distinct communicative and
rhetorical functions. Importantly, these forms of humour are not used
haphazardly but strategically. Self-deprecating humour, for instance,
emerges as a tool for human ising the leader, making him more relatable
and approachable despite past criticisms of his authoritative leadership
style. Sarcasm and hyperbolic humour are identified as mechanisms for
critiquing media representation and emphasising political support,
effectively challenging prevailing narratives with wit and satire. The
irony, interwoven with Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamed's discourse, subtly
underscores the complexities of political communication, media
interactions, and public engagement in the Malaysian context. The
findings emphasise the complexity of humour as a strategic
communication tool in leadership, illustrating its potential to enhance
relatability, negotiate public image, and engage in political critique.
This paper makes a significant contribution to the existing literature on
political communication and leadership by highlighting the nuanced
role of humour in political discourse, demonstrating how it can be
skillfully deployed to navigate the intricacies of leadership and public
perception. Through the lens of Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamed's political
career, this study provides valuable insights into the dynamic interplay
between humour, politics, and leadership in a diverse socio-political
landscape |
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