How do political words acquire meaning and power in public life? This article uncovers the crucial role of ideographs —politically charged words and symbols—in shaping ideology through everyday discourse. The findings show that these words are never neutral: their interpretations shift depending on whether they are spoken by those in power, by opposition leaders, or by civil society actors. A single word may legitimize authority in one context, yet express defiance in another, revealing that ideology is not fixed but constructed through the political position of its speaker. This study offers a fresh lens for understanding political communication by highlighting that who says what is just as important as the content itself. For scholars of discourse, rhetoric, and ideology, the article provides strong conceptual tools and valuable insights that can deepen research on language and power. Bagaimana kata-kata politik memperoleh makna dan kekuatan dalam kehidupan publik? Artikel ini...
Mahfud Anshori is a political culturalist with interest in political communication, media studies, and discourse analysis. His scholarship investigates how media framing constructs political narratives, how rhetoric and discourse shape public opinion and leadership, and how journalism functions as both a democratic institution and a site of ideological contestation.