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تحليل خطابي نقدي للعنف الاسري في التقارير الصحفية : دراسة تقابلية == A Critical Discourse Analysis of Domestic Violence in Press Reports: Contrastive Study
Author name:
سجى فالح حسن ذياب
Supervisor name:
منال جاسم محمد
General topic:
Foreign Languages
Specific topic:
English - Language
Degree:
Master
University:
University of Baghdad - Ibn Rushd College Of Education For Human Sciences - Department Of English Language
Language:
English
University location:
Baghdad
Key words:
- Critical Discourse Analysis
- Contrastive Study
- Domestic Violence
First pages:
T108259 - p.pdf
Abstract:
This study explores domestic violence as a significant factor contributing to family instability, analyzing how it is represented in the media discourse of two distinct cultural contexts: English-speaking and Arabic-speaking societies. Specifically, the study examines press reports from the BBC (English) and Al-Arabiya (Arabic), offering a critical discourse analysis of their coverage. The primary focus lies in investigating the linguistic strategies each media outlet employs and how these strategies both reflect and shape societal perceptions of domestic violence. Additionally, the study examines the role of social and ideological beliefs in influencing the media's portrayal of domestic violence, particularly in relation to power dynamics and the potential justification or condemnation of abusive behavior. A further objective is to assess how the media's ideological positioning impacts the construction and dissemination of information regarding domestic violence to the audience. The study hypothesizes that English and Arabic media utilize distinct linguistic techniques, such as variations in lexicon and transitivity structures, which in turn influence public opinion differently. These linguistic choices are believed to be shaped by each society’s cultural and ideological framework. It is also hypothesized that English media tends to address domestic violence more assertively than Arabic media, given differences in societal openness and gender-related discourses. To test these hypotheses, an eclectic analytical model is adopted, combining Fairclough’s three-dimensional framework (1989, 1995), Fowler’s concept of language use and cultural imprint (1991), and Halliday’s transitivity and modality systems (2004). This model allows for a comprehensive analysis of selected press reports from both languages. A mixed-method approach is applied, incorporating both qualitative and quantitative techniques to ensure a nuanced understanding of the data. The findings reveal that in both cultural contexts, women are depicted as victims of oppression, but the underlying causes differ. In Arabic media, the oppression is predominantly linked to entrenched customs and traditions, while in English media, it is attributed more to historical gender inequalities and social dynamics. Furthermore, the analysis identifies clear differences in the linguistic strategies used. English reports tend to emphasize verbs and adjectives, constructing a dynamic and emotive narrative. In contrast, Arabic reports focus more on nouns and personal pronouns, contributing to a more static and culturally anchored portrayal. Both media types highlight physical abuse; however, Arabic reports give particular attention to verbal processes and cultural norms. Differences in modality usage are also significant: English reports frequently employ epistemic modality to express certainty and probability, whereas Arabic reports rely more on evidential and deontic modalities, reflecting differing cultural approaches to expressing authority, obligation, and judgment. Interestingly, the study finds that Arabic media offers more extensive coverage of domestic violence than English media. This is linked to specific cultural and legal factors, including concerns about privacy, family reputation, and community image. Despite these challenges, Arabic media appears more engaged with the topic, possibly due to heightened societal awareness. The study concludes with pedagogical implications, recommendations for media practitioners, and suggestions for further research into cross-cultural representations of domestic violence.
Summary:
6759940044.pdf
References:
3623f69375.pdf
