Language is not a mere means of communication; it is a form of “social practice” that reflects the ideology and the socio-political ambitions of the person or the social group using that language (Fairclough, 1989). This study aims at exploring the relationships between language and ideology and how such relationships are represented in the talk of an Islamist Egyptian thinker; the analysis of the latter’s talk was done according to Fairclough’s model of Critical Discourse Analysis (1989). Critical Discourse Analysis is defined by van Dijk as a linguistic discipline which studies the relationships between discourse and social power. More specifically, Critical Discourse Analysis describes and explains “how power abuse is enacted, reproduced or legitimized by the text and talk of dominant groups or institutions” (1996: 84).
CDA (Critical Discourse Analysis) aims at analyzing hegemonic and manipulative discourses in society to uncover the mechanisms that have made those discourses hegemonic and manipulative. The ultimate purpose of any CDA study is to unravel the underlying hidden agenda which is left implicit in the discourse and to criticize it.
The data base of this study is 26 excerpts taken from the talk of an Egyptian Islamist thinker who has been invited to a religious TV talk show to give his opinions about secularism in the Arab World. The excerpts have been analyzed within the framework of CDA. More specifically, the excerpts have been analyzed at two major levels: the rhetorical level and the argumentative level. The analysis of the former has been done in terms of the rhetorical elements that construct the majority of discourses such as transitivity, modality, agency, nominalization, passivization, lexicalization, intertextuality, and figures of speech. On the other hand, the analysis of the argumentative aspect has been done in terms of the types of premises and logical arguments that are used in the Islamist thinker’s discourse.
Table of Contents
- Abstract
- Chapter 1: Introduction
- Chapter 2: Literature Review
- Chapter 3: Methodology
- Chapter 4: Data Analysis
- Chapter 5: Discussion
Objectives and Key Themes
This study explores the relationship between language and ideology as represented in the discourse of an Islamist Egyptian thinker. Using Fairclough's model of Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA), the research analyzes the thinker's televised discussion on secularism in the Arab world to uncover power dynamics and ideological strategies. The analysis investigates rhetorical and argumentative techniques, aiming to reveal hidden agendas and manipulative discourse.
- Language and Ideology
- Power Dynamics in Discourse
- Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA)
- Rhetorical and Argumentative Strategies
- Representation of Secularism in Islamist Discourse
Chapter Summaries
Abstract: This study investigates the connection between language, ideology, and power within the discourse of an Egyptian Islamist thinker discussing secularism. Utilizing Fairclough's Critical Discourse Analysis, the research analyzes rhetorical and argumentative strategies to reveal how power dynamics and ideological objectives are conveyed. The analysis aims to expose hidden agendas and manipulative discourse prevalent in the talk show format.
Chapter 1: Introduction: This chapter introduces the core research question: how language reflects ideology and socio-political ambitions within the discourse of an Islamist thinker. It establishes the framework of Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) as the methodological lens for the analysis, highlighting CDA’s focus on unveiling power abuse through language. The chapter also lays out the objectives of the study and details the data source—excerpts from a religious TV talk show featuring the Egyptian Islamist thinker. The significance of understanding the interplay between language, ideology, and power is also emphasized.
Chapter 2: Literature Review: This chapter provides a comprehensive overview of existing research on the relationship between language and ideology, and the application of CDA in analyzing political discourse. It critically examines existing literature regarding the use of language to convey ideological meanings and establish power dynamics. This forms the theoretical foundation of the study, providing the context within which the analysis of the Islamist thinker's discourse is positioned. The chapter discusses key theoretical concepts and methodologies relevant to the study.
Chapter 3: Methodology: This chapter outlines the methodology used in this study, focusing on the application of Fairclough's model of CDA. It details the specific analytical framework, including the two levels of analysis: the rhetorical level (analyzing transitivity, modality, agency, etc.) and the argumentative level (analyzing the premises and logical arguments employed). It justifies the selection of these analytical tools based on their suitability for uncovering ideological implications and power dynamics within the discourse.
Chapter 4: Data Analysis: This chapter presents a detailed analysis of the selected excerpts from the Islamist thinker's talk show appearance. Using the methodological framework described in Chapter 3, the analysis examines the use of rhetorical and argumentative strategies, exploring how these strategies reflect and reinforce ideological positions. Specific examples of lexical choices, metaphors (cancer and genealogy metaphors), and argumentative techniques are analyzed to illustrate how power dynamics and ideological objectives are expressed and conveyed to the audience. The chapter delves deeply into the nuances of language use to uncover hidden meanings.
Chapter 5: Discussion: This chapter synthesizes the findings from the data analysis, linking the observed rhetorical and argumentative strategies to the broader themes of language, ideology, and power. It offers interpretations of how the Islamist thinker's discourse constructs and reinforces specific ideological positions and social exclusions. The chapter also discusses the broader implications of these findings, considering the role of religious TV talk shows in conveying ideological meanings and political objectives to a wider audience. The implications of the study are discussed in relation to the understanding of Islamist discourse and the manipulation of language for political purposes.
Keywords
Language, Ideology, Power, Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA), Islamist Discourse, Secularism, Arab World, Rhetorical Strategies, Argumentative Strategies, Political Discourse, Hegemony, Manipulation, Social Exclusion.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comprehensive Language Preview
What is the main topic of this study?
This study explores the relationship between language and ideology, specifically examining how an Islamist Egyptian thinker uses language to convey ideological positions and power dynamics in a televised discussion on secularism in the Arab world.
What methodology is used in this research?
The research employs Norman Fairclough's model of Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) to analyze the thinker's discourse. This involves examining both the rhetorical (transitivity, modality, agency) and argumentative levels of the language used to uncover hidden agendas and manipulative strategies.
What are the key themes explored in the study?
Key themes include the connection between language and ideology, power dynamics in discourse, the application of CDA, rhetorical and argumentative strategies, and the representation of secularism within Islamist discourse.
What are the main sources of data for this analysis?
The primary data source is excerpts from a religious TV talk show featuring the Egyptian Islamist thinker. The analysis focuses on the language used in this specific context to convey ideological messages.
What aspects of language are analyzed?
The analysis examines various aspects of language, including lexical choices, metaphors (such as cancer and genealogy metaphors), and argumentative techniques to demonstrate how power dynamics and ideological objectives are communicated.
How is the study structured?
The study is structured into five chapters: an introduction outlining the research question and methodology; a literature review summarizing relevant research; a methodology chapter detailing the CDA approach; a data analysis chapter presenting the findings; and a discussion chapter synthesizing the results and discussing their implications.
What are the key findings of the study?
The study aims to reveal how the Islamist thinker’s language constructs and reinforces specific ideological positions and potentially contributes to social exclusion. The analysis will uncover how rhetorical and argumentative strategies are used to achieve political objectives.
What are the broader implications of this research?
The research aims to contribute to a better understanding of Islamist discourse, the manipulation of language for political purposes, and the role of religious TV talk shows in conveying ideological meanings and objectives to a wider audience.
What are the keywords associated with this study?
Key words include: Language, Ideology, Power, Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA), Islamist Discourse, Secularism, Arab World, Rhetorical Strategies, Argumentative Strategies, Political Discourse, Hegemony, Manipulation, and Social Exclusion.
What is the purpose of the "Chapter Summaries" section?
The chapter summaries provide a concise overview of each chapter's content, highlighting the key arguments and findings presented in each section of the study.
For whom is this research intended?
This research is intended for academic use, allowing for the analysis of themes in a structured and professional manner.
- Quote paper
- Brahim Hiba (Author), 2012, Language and Power in the Discourse of an Islamist Thinker, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/215775
