Discourse Analysis in Crises: The Speech of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques during the COVID-19 Crisis as a Model

This research aims to study the rhetoric of media discourse and its role in crisis management by analyzing the speech of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz, during the COVID-19 crisis as a model. The study focuses on exploring the main elements included in the speech, the mechanisms used in its presentation, and the rhetorical implications employed by the speech producer to achieve impact and persuasion.
The study adopts the discourse analysis approach based on Van Dijk's model and speech act theory. The findings reveal that media discourse has a significant ability to influence audiences and shape their opinions about crises. The royal speech in Saudi Arabia emerged as a distinguished model due to its use of simple and expressive language, effective persuasion tools, and cohesive structure that captured the public's attention.
The research confirms that media discourse is a key tool for addressing and clarifying crises to society, guiding individuals toward adherence to guidelines. It concludes that King Salman’s speech during the COVID-19 crisis succeeded in directing the community, clarifying the severity of the crisis, and encouraging societal cooperation to confront it. Therefore, the research highlights the importance of studying media discourse language in achieving its objectives and enhancing its role as an influential tool in crisis management.