Comportement politique/sociologie



F11(b) - The Politics of Communication: Silence, Conversation and (In)Visibility

Date: Jun 13 | Heure: 10:15am to 11:45am | Salle: UQAM, Pavillon Hubert-Aquin (A), 400 Ste-Catherine E., classroom/local A-5060

Chair/Président/Présidente : Kenny le (University of British Colombia)

Discussant/Commentateur/Commentatrice : Mathieu Lavigne (Dartmouth University)

The Effects of Gender and Extraversion in Face-to-Face Political Conversations: Amanda Friesen (University of Western Ontario), Axel Dery (University of Western Ontario), Jesse Mehravar (University of Western Ontario)
Abstract: The political world is rife with conflict, making everyday political discussion a form of social risk-taking. Sometimes people choose to talk politics, but they also may find themselves in conversations with partners that shift into the political. An important element of this interpersonal communication is interaction quality. When people perceive their interactions as being higher in quality, they tend to experience more positive and less negative affect. These conversations may also be less stressful. Interaction quality metrics may be especially important in political discourse, where disagreements can become heated. Using round robin dyadic, in-person conversations with 40 groups of 3-7 participants in Canada during April and October 2023, we randomly assigned political and nonpolitical conversation prompts, following online personality and demographic surveys and preceding post-conversation partner ratings.


Comparative Analysis of the Use of Foul Language by Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto and Imran Khan and its Impact on Pakistan’s Political Landscape: Ommar Abbasi (University of Windsor)
Abstract: This research article presents a comparative analysis of the use of foul language, including profanity, slander, and swearing, by two prominent Pakistani populist leaders, Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, and Imran Khan. It explores the profound effects of such language on the rise and fall of these leaders, consequently reshaping Pakistan's political landscape. This study delves into the creation of opposition alliances, specifically the Pakistan National Alliance (PNA) against Bhutto and the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) against Khan, both of which played pivotal roles in their eventual ouster and opened the door for extensive military involvement in politics, ultimately pushing the nation back to a status quo. The research aims to identify similarities and differences in the use of foul language by these two leaders and how it influenced the political environment. Additionally, it considers the impact of social media on the prevalence and reach of such language during their respective tenures. The article is structured into four distinct parts: Part One: Profane Language (Words) This section provides an in-depth analysis of the profane language employed by both Bhutto and Khan during their political careers, shedding light on the specific words and phrases used against their opponents. Part Two: Uniting the Opposition Focusing on the consequences of this language, Part Two explores how it contributed to the formation and unity of opposition alliances, such as the PNA and PDM. It also investigates the language's role in providing a pretext for increased military involvement in Pakistan's political landscape. Part Three: Effects on Foreign Relations This segment examines the effects of the leaders' use of foul language on Pakistan's foreign relations and international image. It explores how such language impacted the nation's diplomacy and global standing. Part Four: Post-Bhutto/Khan Political Landscape The final part of the article discusses the lasting effects of this language on Pakistan's post-Bhutto/Khan political landscape. It delves into the implications for democracy, democratic values, human rights, and freedom of expression, providing critical insights into the enduring consequences of their rhetoric. Methods: To conduct this analysis, the research employs Critical Discourse Analysis and Semantic Network Analysis, utilizing speeches and public statements made by Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto and Imran Khan. This comparative study contributes to our understanding of the significant role language plays in shaping political destinies and altering the course of nations.


"People Will Notice That Level of Silence Way More": How Identity-Based Language in School Board EDI Policies Shapes LGBTQ+ Students' Belonging: Nathan Barnett (Wilfrid Laurier University)
Abstract: In recent years, there has been a resurgence of queerphobic rhetoric in the US and UK; however, Canada has not been immune to this. Much of this queerphobic rhetoric begins as “coded language” (i.e., “protecting children”), which often focuses on how particular language can invoke particular prejudices without specifically mentioning them (for more information on coded language, see Tali Mendelberg’s 2001 book The Race Card). Though coded language is typically understood in a negative, racial context, I explored how policy writers can use identity-based language (such as LGBTQ+, queer, etc.) can be used to signal support. Ultimately, I investigated three interrelated research questions: is there identity-based language that best resonates for support across diverse queer communities? Is there identity-based language that resonates for particular queer communities? Lastly, if there is identity-based language that improves support for EDI policies (either across communities or within a specific community), why might that be the case? To explore this question, I utilized both a limited number of cognitive interviews as well as a more far-reaching experimental survey design to investigate the impact particular, identity-based language has on policy support. Many individuals, both LGBTQ+ and not, struggle with knowing what language to use and it often creates a barrier for engagement. In completing this research, I aimed to provide policy writers, in areas across political fields and sectors, with the understanding of how language can impact LGBTQ+ communities and their belonging. Keywords: identity-based language, sense of belonging, coded language, policy development