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Title Feminist Critical Discourse Analysis of Contemporary South Asian and Native American Novels

Author(s) Samina Azad

Abstract People of South Asia and Native America have somewhat similar destinies. Both sides are invaded, displaced and exploited by the intruders and the foreign occupiers. Therefore, the study examines contemporary South Asian and Native American novels in the light of Feminist Critical Discourse Analysis while highlighting the similarities and differences that exist on both sides in the condition of female characters and representation of gender in a comparative analysis. For this purpose different forms of oppression employed to oppress female characters, discursive production of power and dominance, reworking and contesting of the assumptions embedded in the hegemonic gender ideology by female characters and representation of gender are the vital concerns taken up in the study. Since Feminist Critical Discourse Analysis combines the perspective of Critical Discourse Analysis and Feminism, it facilitates the exploration of above mentioned subject matter. Complex and subtle issues of power, gender and ideology are scrutinized by the theory. Dialogism with its emphasis on utterances, context, polyphony, heteroglossia, temporal and spatial framework is employed as a method to investigate the novels. Despite geographical distance and difference, South Asians and Native Americans have certain analogous experiences. Female characters are seen subjected to various overt and covert forms of oppression in the South Asian and Native American novels but their sufferings diverge in their magnitude and size, intensity and level, degree and extent. Written and spoken, verbal and non-verbal dimensions of language are studied in the discourse. Discursive power and dominance is materialized in interactions. Domination and authority is asserted by controlling interactions, commencing and concluding them on one’s own initiative, not caring for the actions and reactions, words and thoughts of the other person involved. False generalizations and ideologies are means to enact power and dominance discursively. Manipulation through discourse leads to conditioning, acceptability and hegemony. The female characters breach the taboos, get involved in the processes of mental and spiritual development to rework and redefine their position. They challenge and rebel, discarding what is falsely established and associated with them. They aspire and then work to transpire their hopes, dreams and ambitions into reality. The female characters are very much visible in the novels, performing their traditional as well as nontraditional roles. Characters, both male and female, are portrayed on human level with all their offerings and failings.

Type Thesis/Dissertation PhD

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Department English

Language English

Publication Date 2016-01-01

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