Language use and gender representation in Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallow

Moesha Mukhliz, Siti Maryam and Sahar, Rafidah (2021) Language use and gender representation in Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallow. International Young Scholars: Journal of Language, 4 (2). pp. 52-67. E-ISSN 0128-2573

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Abstract

This study was conducted to identify the linguistic gender features used to represent the male and female characters in J. K Rowling’s Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows novel. A qualitative content analysis was employed whereby a close reading of the novel was performed and linguistic gender differences between male and female characters are theorised based on Jennifer Coates’ (2015) works on conversational strategies. Findings revealed that male characters outperformed female characters in terms of their use of all seven linguistic features namely: minimal responses, hedges, tag questions, questions, commands and directives, swearing and taboo words, and compliments. The findings imply that authors and publishers of children's literature should make a greater effort to offer youngsters with material that uses gender-neutral language in order to eliminate gender prejudice and stereotypes.

Item Type:	Article (Journal)
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Children’s books, gender representation, linguistic features, stereotypes
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > H Social Sciences (General) L Education > L Education (General) P Language and Literature > PE English
Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button):	Kulliyyah of Languages and Management
Depositing User:	Dr. Rafidah Sahar
Date Deposited:	08 Dec 2021 15:34
Last Modified:	08 Dec 2021 15:34
URI:	http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/94518

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