LANGUAGE AS A TOOL OF INFLUENCE: A DISCOURSE ANALYSIS OF DAENERYS TARGARYEN’S SPEECHES IN DOTHRAKI AND HIGH VALYRIAN IN GAME OF THRONES

Bettina  ENE

doi:10.24193/subbphilo.2024.2.08

Authors

Bettina ENE Doctoral School of Linguistic and Literary Studies, Faculty of Letters; Department of Modern Languages and Business Communication, Lingua Centre, Faculty of Economics and Business Administration, Babeș-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania. Email: bettina.ene@econ.ubbcluj.ro.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.24193/subbphilo.2024.2.08

Keywords:

Game of Thrones, constructed languages, language and identity, cultural adaptation, intercultural communication

Abstract

Language as a Tool of Influence: Discourse Analysis of Daenerys Targaryen’s Speeches in Dothraki and High Valyrian in Game of Thrones. This article delves into the examination of the multilingual discourse and diplomatic strategies employed by Daenerys Targaryen, a central character in the “Game of Thrones” television series. The investigation centers on her utilization of the Dothraki and High Valyrian languages, both meticulously crafted by linguist David Peterson expressly for the show. Employing critical discourse analysis, this study seeks to unravel the linguistic influence wielded by Daenerys in her pursuit of power and influence within the fictional realm of Westeros. Through an analysis of her multilingual abilities, the article explores how Daenerys navigates and negotiates linguistic and cultural barriers to build alliances, forge connections, and assert her authority. Through an examination of the linguistic dimensions inherent in her diplomatic endeavors, the article illuminates the role of language as a potent tool for persuasion, negotiation, and cultural mediation within complex sociolinguistic contexts. The findings of this study significantly enhance our comprehension of multilingual diplomacy and its portrayal in popular culture, emphasizing the pivotal role of language in shaping political discourse and interpersonal relationships.

Dialoguri transculturale. Evoluția personajului Daenerys Targaryen ca ambasador cultural în Game of Thrones. Acest articol explorează discursul multilingv și strategiile diplomatice folosite de Daenerys Targaryen, un personaj central din serialul “Game of Thrones”. Ne concentrăm asupra modului în care Daenerys se folosește de limbile Dothraki și High Valyrian, create cu meticulozitate de lingvistul David Peterson special pentru acest serial TV. Prin analiza discursului, studiul nostru își propune să dezvăluie cum Daenerys manevrează influența lingvistică în căutarea puterii și a influenței în lumea fictivă a Westerosului. Explorăm cum, prin abilitățile sale multilingve, Daenerys depășește și negociază barierele lingvistice și culturale pentru a construi alianțe, a crea conexiuni și a-și afirma autoritatea. Prin examinarea dimensiunilor lingvistice implicate în eforturile sale diplomatice, articolul aduce în prim-plan rolul limbii ca instrument puternic de persuasiune, negociere și mediere culturală în contexte sociolingvistice complexe. Concluziile acestei cercetări contribuie semnificativ la înțelegerea diplomației multilingve și la modul în care este prezentată în cultura populară, subliniind importanța centrală a limbii în modelarea discursului politic și relațiilor interpersonale.

Cuvinte-cheie: Game of Thrones, limbi construite, limbă și identitate, adaptare culturală, comunicare interculturală.

Article history: Received 30 January 2024; Revised 28 May 2024; Accepted 05 June 2024;
Available online 25 June 2024; Available print 30 June 2024.

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