Aspects of Diplomatic Stylistic Devices in the Speeches of Jean-Claude Gakosso

Abstract

Diplomatic discourse systematically employs metaphor, a device whose persuasive function transcends mere stylistic ornamentation. This article aims to propose a functional—rather than merely lexical—classification of the metaphors used by Jean-Claude Gakosso, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of the Congo (2015–2026), in three full speeches delivered during the General Debate of the United Nations General Assembly (73rd session, 2018; 76th session, 2021; 77th session, 2022). Methodologically, rather than grouping the identified metaphors by source domain (architecture, the body, fire, paths) as a previous study has done we reclassify them according to the argumentative and persuasive functions they serve: legitimation, disqualification, dramatization, mobilization, valorization, and depersonalization. This typology is grounded in Aristotle’s three rhetorical proofs (ethos, pathos, logos) and Brown and Levinson’s theory of indirect politeness strategies (1987). The analysis reveals a coherent persuasive structure in which the function of mobilization clearly predominates (27% of occurrences), followed—equally—by legitimation and disqualification (21% each), and then by dramatization (18%) and valorization (15%). We maintain that this distribution reflects a diplomacy that structurally prioritizes calls to action over description or direct accusation, and which delegitimizes its implicit adversaries without ever naming them.