SPEECH AS PERFORMANCE:INVESTIGATING HEGEMONIC AND NON HEGEMONIC LANGUAGE IN THE PUBLIC DISCOURSES OF ELON MUSK AND MALALA YOUSAFZAI
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Date
2026
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DEPARTMENT OF ENGLISH AND APPLIED LINGUISTICS
Abstract
This study explores how language can either support or challenge power by analyzing the speeches of Elon Musk and Malala Yousafzai. The aim is to see how both speakers perform different identities and reflect dominant or resistant ideas through their words. Judith Butler’s theory of performativity (1990) was used as the main framework, and a qualitative, comparative method was applied by closely studying the written transcripts of both speeches. The findings show that Musk’s speech reflects hegemonic power through confident, futuristic, and authoritative language, while Malala’s speech shows non hegemonic power through calm, inclusive, and resistance-based language. This study highlights that language is not neutral and it can shape identity, reinforce systems of control, or become a tool for social change.