Inversion technique

Inversion technique

Inversion technique is a means by which a speaker uses a particular expression in such a way that its commonly held meaning is inverted to mean the exact opposite of the original expression.In the following passage taken from Hanson's speech,for example,victims are transformed into aggressors,while the aggressors are represented as victims.Again,by referring to a historical speech,Hanson strives to enhance the illocutionary force of her speech,and to avoid taking any responsibility for her statements.

Arthur Calwell said and I quote,“Japan,India,Burma,Ceylon and every new African nation is fiercely anti-white and anti one another.Do we want or need any of these people here?I am one red-blooded Australian who says NO and who speaks for 90%of Australian”.I have no hesitation in echoing the words of Arthur Calwell!