“In” or “Out”? An Analysis of the Use of Augmentals in U.S. Presidential Speeches on the Paris Climate Agreement

Augmentals, as a type of verbal rule, have been used in political speeches either for establishing beneficial cultural values the populace (Leigland, 2005) or publicizing points view to exert control on public opinion through propaganda (Rakos, 1993). The current study conducted functional content analysis two presidential about climate change and global warming regarding whether United States should enter exit Paris Climate Agreement. purposes were (a) examine effects types augmentals (reinforcer-establishing punisher-establishing augmentals) behavior populace, (b) explore relational frames that formed augmentals, (c) provide guidance discriminating media sources. results showed different patterns use Donald Trump’s speech, which attempted persuade support exiting agreement, compared Barack Obama’s entering agreement. Several implications are discussed.