Metaphorical Construction of Human Rights: A Comparative Analysis of Pakistani and American Political Speeches

Abstract

This research shows that how political leader use metaphor in their speeches when discussing Human rights. Although, Human rights are universal right but understand and express differently across different cultures. Using conceptual metaphor theory, developed by Lakoff and Johnson, this research analyses four major political speeches delivered between the time period 2021 to 2025, two from Pakistan (Imran Khan and Shahbaz Sharif) and two from American leaders (Joe Biden and Donald Trump). This research identifies metaphorical pattern as Pakistani leader predominantly use religious and emotional metaphor while framing rights as divine responsibility and national struggle. Meanwhile, American leaders emphasize war, and journey metaphors framing right as community responsibility and collective progress. This comparative analysis shows that supposedly universal human rights language is fundamentally shaped by culturally specific metaphorical frameworks.