Finding the Words: A Rhetorical History of South Africa's Transition from Apartheid to Democracy

by Thomas Moriarty

Overview

The author accounts for South Africa's transition from apartheid to democracy from a rhetorical perspective. Based on an exhaustive analysis of hundreds of public statements made by South Africa's leaders from 1985 to the present, Moriarty shows how key constructions of the political scene paved the way for negotiations, elections, and national reconciliation. These rhetorical changes moved South Africa out of the realm of violent conflict and into one of rhetorical conflict, a democratic space in which the country could resolve its problems at the negotiating table and in the ballot box.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781567506686
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Academic
Publication date:	10/30/2003
Series:	Civic Discourse for the Third Millennium
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	160
Product dimensions:	6.14(w) x 9.21(h) x 0.44(d)

About the Author

THOMAS A. MORIARTY teaches rhetoric and writing at Salisbury University in Maryland.

Table of Contents

Introduction
Rhetoric and Conflict in Apartheid South Africa
South Africa's Rhetoric of Violent Conflict
Rhetorical Change
Rhetoric and Negotiations for a New South Africa
Talking About Talks
Negotiations, Civil Wars, and a Revolution by Force. . . . Almost
A Glorious Human Achievement
South Africa and the Prospect for Civic Discourse in the Third Millennium
References