This article explores the evolution of presidential inaugural addresses, highlighting the shift towards simpler language and a focus on national unity.
Presidential addresses, a tradition dating back to George Washington's first inauguration in 1789, have undergone significant transformations over time. While the content of these speeches has evolved, a recurring theme in recent years has been the emphasis on unity among Americans. Inaugural addresses have long served as a platform to unite the nation under a new leader.
Data analysis reveals that recent presidents, particularly, have initiated their terms with language focused on bringing Americans together. Words like 'together,' 'us,' 'America,' and 'Americans' have become increasingly prevalent in inaugural addresses since the 1960s. Notably, the word 'us' topped the list of most used words in four out of the last six presidential addresses. This trend reflects the presidents' desire to bridge political divides and foster a sense of shared national identity, especially amidst a polarized political climate. In his 2021 inauguration address, President Biden declared, 'Today, on this January day, my whole soul is in this: bringing America together, uniting our people, uniting our Nation.' As recent presidents have sought to connect with Americans across the political spectrum, they have also adopted a more concise and accessible language. Presidential addresses today feature shorter, more frequent sentences. The average sentence length has dropped from approximately 60 words per sentence in earlier speeches to just 16 words per sentence currently. This shift towards simpler language likely contributes to the accessibility of these speeches for a wider audience.Furthermore, the complexity of the language used in inaugural addresses has decreased over time. The first few inaugural addresses employed complex, archaic language, with presidents in the 1700s averaging a 25th-grade reading level. In contrast, presidents in the 21st century deliver inaugural addresses at an average 10th-grade reading level. This simplification makes the speeches more comprehensible for a larger segment of the American population, considering that 21% of U.S. adults have low literacy skills. The evolution of presidential addresses from complex, formal pronouncements to more concise and accessible forms reflects the changing needs of a diverse and evolving nation
Inaugural Addresses Presidential Speeches Unity Language Evolution Literacy
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