Challenges of Central European Rhetoric

Dr. Petra Aczél

Corvinus University of Budapestpetra.aczel@uni-corvinus.hu

Divergent rhetorical paradigms

Silence of the non-existence

Challenges of Central European rhetoric (CER)

Utens – docens

Logic (philosophy) – lingusitics (poetics, narratology)

Psychological, epistemological – belletristic, elocutionary

Pragmatic – structuralist

Anglo- American – Continental

Western – Central-Eastern

Gerard Genette: La rhétorique restreinte (Rhetoric Restrained), 1970

Michael Halloran: On the End of Rhetoric, Classical and Modern, 1975

Rhetoric in the European tradition

Unique achievements in pedagogical literature, homiletics, political rhetorics (19th century)

Keeping pace until the beginning of the 20th century

No oratory, no theory (rhetorical invention and argumentation is unnecessary)

Pivotal speeches to revive the democratic, free spirit

From a totalitarian system to a media democracy – without timely transgression

Central European rereading of the history of rhetoric (the western canon)

Identification of diverse rhetorics (value systems and alternative forms of persuasion) in the global tradition

Locating lost figures of important periods Giving a true account of memorable and

significant Central European speeches and addresses

Giving voice to the discoveries of structuralist/literary/ linguistic rhetoric

Giving theory (docens) to Central European oratory practices (utens)

Giving strength to civic participation in public life Enriching the rhetorical landscape with new

disciplinary innovations