Discourse analysis in the European Parliament. An investigation and comparison of Dutch and Polish Parliamentarians' interventions.

The objective of this research project is to investigate and analyse Polish and Dutch Members' of the European Parliament (MEP) interventions, explore the use of their argumentation methods and make a comparative analysis. In the light of Parliamentarians' cultural and linguistic traditions and conventions, the project will compare and analyse the rhetoric from different perspectives such as i.a.: use of language levels, value-laden or neutral descriptions, direct or euphemistic speech, conflict resistance or proneness, im/politeness, level of voice, use of relational and functional markers, forms of address, gender neutrality or emphasis, use of humour and irony or grotesque and respect of the speaking time.

Possible explanatory variables for differences and similarities in debating style between MEPs will be sought in, i.a. nationality, political party group membership in the European Parliament, the committee, the debater's seniority, function, importance, gender or role (group leader, rapporteur). Rhetorical approaches to MEPs political communication will focus on the dynamic relationship among speaker, audience and situation.

The study material will consist of recorded oral presentations of MEPs. The analysed time span will cover the period from July 2014 to June 2015 i.e. the present Eighth Parliament’s first twelve months after the election.