Архив журнала

Abstract: There is wide agreement that politicians do not normally answer all the questions they are asked (Blum-Kulka 1983; Bull 1994; Bull and Mayer 1993; Clayman 1993 and 2001 and Harris 1991). Our aim is to identify the specific linguistic strategies of evasion used by a specific politician: the British Prime Minister Tony Blair. We analyse seven interviews covering a period from 26-01-2003 to 14-02-2006, carried out by different interviewers (J. Paxman, D. Frost and W. Woodward) about different topics (Iraq conflict, European Union, Education and Public Services) and totalling 213 questions. We submit this data to analysis taking into account three parameters: the topic dealt with; the identity of the interviewer; and the content of answer and question