Methodology

Abstract

The theoretical framework, discussed in the previous chapter, prepares the ground for developing a methodology for study in this chapter. This methodology has four pillars: intertextuality, interdiscursivity, the predication strategy and metaphor analysis. Intertextuality and the predication strategy are drawn from CDA while metaphor analysis is driven by CMT. Intertextuality and interdiscursivity, as two CDA tools, can show the link between Khomeini’s ideology and his language. For instance, these two tools can show how intertextual usage of Islamic texts and events in Khomeini’s discourse can lead us to a better understanding of his ideology.

Likewise, using the predication strategy can help shed light on Khomeini’s ideology on matters such as nationalism and sectarianism. For example, as Chapter six shows, Khomeini never used sectarian language against the Iraqi people. Also, analysing the use of the predication strategy by Khomeini can demonstrate how Khomeini normalised the continuation of the war by using positive labels for the war and negative labels for the peace suggestions.

Metaphor analysis is the last pillar of our methodological pack used in this book. By studying the metaphors that Ayatollah Khomeini used during the war, his way of thinking and the ways that he reinforces them can be understood. For instance, by analysing brotherhood metaphors in Khomeini’s discourse in addressing the Iraqi people, it can be seen that Khomeini avoided using sectarian language against the Iraqi people. Likewise, the study of journey metaphors in Khomeini’s corpus in addressing the Iranian people shows how the Ayatollah represented a religiously positive view of the continuation of the war.