The discursive representation of Yglésio Moyses (PRTB) in the podcast “Abrindo o Verbo”: an analysis from the perspective of CDA

Abstract

Language, beyond being a mechanism that conveys information, also serves as an instrument of symbolic struggle, defining representations and identities, reinforcing hierarchies, and legitimizing power structures. Taking this into account, this study aimed to investigate, in one (1) episode of the podcast Abrindo O Verbo, the discursive representations mobilized in the construction of meaning within this genre, seeking to contribute to the development of a critical stance by the reader/consumer. It is noteworthy that this research, in addition to being qualitative in nature, is also part of the Scientific Initiation Research Project PIBIC/CNPq (2024-2025 cycle) entitled “Journalistic Podcasts in the Digital Environment: A Critical-Discursive Analysis.” The corpus analyzed consists of an interview with Yglésio Moyses (PRTB), broadcast on the radio podcast “Abrindo O Verbo”, from the Mirante Network, during the 2024 mayoral elections in São Luís (MA). From this perspective, the study is grounded in the theoretical and methodological assumptions of Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA), a discipline developed by the British linguist Norman Fairclough (2001, 2003). Among the principles of CDA, emphasis is placed on aspects related to actional meaning (intertextuality), representational meaning (interdiscursivity and social actor representation), and identificational meaning (modality and evaluation). Thus, the overall findings indicate that critical-discursive reflection operates equally in explaining the hidden connections within texts that construct and deconstruct hegemonic power practices and, above all, contributes to overcoming the social asymmetries and conventions that permeate discourse.