A Discourse Analysis of the Linguistic Strategies in the Debate between Moses and Pharaoh

This study is intended to analyze the effectiveness of linguistic strategies used in the debate between Moses and Pharaoh and how they are best used in order to overcome an opponent and to persuade the listeners. Such strategies, when used well, can be very powerful tools to shape public feelings and opinions about certain issues, as there is an intrinsically situated rhetorical motive in the persuasive use of language. It is important for the listeners to be aware of these strategies in order to be discerning listeners, making the right judgment and not just swallow what is presented to them. The method of analysis is to locate expressions where linguistic choices seem to have been made in order to convey certain views. The linguistic strategies explored in this study include:the use ofpronouns, modality, propaganda language, and lexical repetition. The study concludes that debates are verbal battles in which each side uses different linguistic techniques to discredit the other side.