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Title Tweet on Racal and Religious Anti-Discrimination: A Discursive analysis of Social Media Hashtags

Author(s) SHAUNA AZIZ

Abstract Title: Tweets on Racial and Religious Anti-Discrimination: A Discursive Analysis of Social Media Hashtags This qualitative study employs Van Dijk's framework of discourse analysis to examine the nuances of online anti-discriminatory discourse within the context of religious and racial anti-discrimination. Focusing on the dynamic and powerful platform of Twitter, the study investigates the discursive strategies and linguistic patterns employed in 24 carefully selected tweets. Specifically, the research delves into the discourse generated under two prominent hashtags: #BlackLivesMatter and #MuslimLivesMatter. The study is grounded in the understanding that online platforms serve as arenas where individuals and groups engage in discursive practices that reflect, shape, and contest prevailing ideologies, power dynamics, and socio-political contexts. Van Dijk's framework provides a systematic and multidisciplinary lens to analyze how language is harnessed to construct meaning, reinforce social hierarchies, and challenge discriminatory narratives. Through a meticulous selection process, 12 tweets from each of the hashtags are chosen, allowing for an in-depth analysis of discourse variation across these distinct anti-discriminatory movements. By focusing on these hashtags, the research highlights the experiences of marginalized communities within the broader narrative of anti-discrimination activism. Findings from the study reveal how discursive strategies are strategically employed to counter dominant narratives and create counter-narratives that challenge established power structures. Additionally, the research uncovers linguistic cues that convey solidarity, empathy, and alliance building among online communities engaging with the hashtags. The implications of this study extend to both theoretical and practical domains. The application of Van Dijk's framework enriches our understanding of how language contributes to shaping social change, as well as the interconnectedness between online and offline discursive practices. Moreover, insights drawn from the analysis offer avenues for developing effective communication strategies to counter discrimination and promote inclusivity within digital spaces.

Type Thesis/Dissertation

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Department English

Language English

Publication Date 2023-11-02

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