A Critical Discourse Analysis of Gender Representation in the Language of Independence Day’s Speeches Delivered by King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17507/tpls.1602.16Keywords:
critical discourse analysis, gender representation, gender perspective, linguistic strategiesAbstract
This study investigates gender representation in the language of nine Independence Day Speeches (IDS) made by King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein (KAII). Since he took power in 1999, KAII delivered nine IDS on May 25th. The speeches were given in 2001, 2003, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2016, 2017, 2020, and 2022. Aimed at Jordanians, these speeches are concise and relatively short, totalling 6000 words. To analyse gender representation, the study utilises the Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) approach. Gender representation is assessed based on how KAII's language addresses both men and women equally. Findings reveal that KAII has incorporated notably gender-representative language in his political discourse. He adopted three linguistic strategies in these IDS to develop this language: using plural lexical units instead of singular ones, simultaneously referring to both genders, and employing gender-neutral lexical units. From a gender standpoint, the results suggest that the language in the IDS differs significantly from the prevailing androcentric political discourses in Arabic-Islamic societies. The findings also imply that Arabic, usually categorised as a gendered language, can indeed be gender-representative if the users exhibit the right attitudes, determination, and apply suitable linguistic strategies to reshape current Arabic usage. In conclusion, this study's findings make a unique contribution to the areas of language and gender.
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