Manipulation in musical discourse (on material of English songs)
https://doi.org/10.21869/2223-151X-2025-15-2-59-72
Abstract
The influence of musical lyrics on individual perception and society is under scrutiny. The potential of musical discourse as a means of manipulation is demonstrated. Several popular songs in English are analyzed in aspect of impact and back reaction. The discourse analysis, the interpretation analysis, the deconstruction method are used. Among widespread manipulative practices in musical discourse we reveal the usage of following 6 types: emotives, emphatic and metaphoric expressions; allusions, ambiguity, implicatures and presuppositions; social identification; gender, political, ideological provocation; construction of sensational characters or challenging situation; repetitive patterns. The authors proved that song lyrics can effectively influence the addressee by musical style, genre, instrument, speed, intonation, words, phrases, and imagery selection. Using different discursive and cognitive means singers can create necessary moods that develop pre-planned ideological positions and can push to certain action. It is concluded that manipulation in songs is a powerful tool for propaganda and advocacy of implanting ideas, remaining unnoticed by the average addressee. Therefore, it is important for music consumers to be critical when listening to songs to understand the messages been conveyed. The lyrics and underlying messages in music can have a powerful impact on our emotions, thoughts and beliefs. Thus the defense actions from manipulative verbal and nonverbal influence should be popularized for the information security of society.
About the Authors
I. A. Kuznetsova
Irkutsk National Research Technical University; Irkutsk State University; Baikal State University
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Irina A. Kuznetsova, Doctor of Sciences (Philological), Candidate of Sciences (Sociological), Professor of the Department of Foreign Languages No. 1, Associate Professor of the Department of English (HAC); Professor of the Department of Linguistics and Linguodidactics; Professor of the Department of Theoretical and Applied Linguistics
83, Lermontova Str, Irkutsk 664074
A. I. Shelekhova
Irkutsk National Research Technical University; Irkutsk State University; Baikal State University
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Anastasia I. Shelekhova, Student
83, Lermontova Str, Irkutsk 664074
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Review
For citations:
Kuznetsova I.A., Shelekhova A.I. Manipulation in musical discourse (on material of English songs). Proceedings of the Southwest State University. Series: Linguistics and Pedagogy. 2025;15(2):59-72. https://doi.org/10.21869/2223-151X-2025-15-2-59-72
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