Fanzil Feroz

30/10/13

Semantics
Semantics is used in a variety of ways to support the purpose and
tone of the speech. The title of the speech itself has a double
entendre, which connotes the purpose of the speech. Reign is a
homophone so it can be interpreted as rain, which suggests that
now, is a time of cleansing and is a metaphor to allow freedom to
encompass us and take over. Reign can also be interpreted as its
original for freedom to take over which also has a similar meaning
however freedom reign is an oxymoron which creates even more
emphasis. The stark contrast still works because the words go
together in the context, which could imply that; the black and
white people were once so different but must come together.
Another oxymoron extraordinary human disaster reflects the heavy
impact it has had on society but also suggests the tone of awe.
Human achievement is mentioned towards the end of the speech
to imply where they have, started with Human disaster and
building towards human achievement, which echoes the tone of
wonder and determination. Born and birth of a new world implies
an image of a phoenix rising form the ashes, which supports the
purpose of the speech, to rebuild and rise from the ashes.
A tone of immediacy is implied several times throughout the speech
with the use of today, the time to which emphasizes the need for
reform. We pledge implies it is a metaphorical oath which adds
weight to the words also it makes everyone accountable. Tones of
realism are established when Mandela reflects upon the struggles
that are being faced and the continuing bondage implying tone of
realism that the troubles arent behind us yet. The image of having
to suffer the indignity of being the skunk of the world suggests that
South Africa were at the bottom of the hierarchy being compared to
an unwanted animal such as the skunk. Also using the animal skunk
is significant because the skunk is primarily black and white, which
connotes to the racism that plagued South Africa.
Phonology
Phonology throughout the speech is used to highlight the
importance of certain words being said to support the tone of the
speech. Repetition is used throughout the speech to create
emphasis, such as never, never, never which stresses the need for
the nation to keep moving forward and not return back to the state
of disaster it once was. Let there be is also repeated several times
to create an image of contrast therefore to show what will come
from what was. Positive sibilance of the sun shall never set on so
glorious reinforces an image of wonder in our minds, which reflects
the tone of determination, and also the emphasis signifies a shift in
tone from the previous paragraph. The rule of three is also utilized
to strengthen the image in our minds of equality within the people

Fanzil Feroz

30/10/13

and that all humans deserve simple common necessities that are
work, bread and salt. Alliteration of words like commit,
construction, complete represents the purpose of the speech that
the nation needs to come together and reform.