Ideological Discourse Analysis of On-Screen Discourse on Terrorism

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altralangvol6issue1
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Published: Jun 30, 2024
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52919/altralang.v6i1.441
Keywords:
Terrorism, Islam, 9/11 attacks, Hollywood discourse, Political Propaganda

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Zoulaikha ELBAH
University of Khenchela Abbes Laghrour, Algeria
https://orcid.org/0009-0008-3771-7538

Abstract

The purpose of the current study is to shed light on the representation of Arabs and Muslims in Hollywood on-screen discourse on terrorism. It seeks to answer, especially, three main questions: What is the difference, if any, between pre- and post- 9/11 representation of Arabs and Muslims? Does post- 9/11 on-screen discourse reflect true experiences of soldiers in battlefields? And how is Islam perceived by westerners? To analyse the on-screen discourse, we have adopted Van Dijk’s model of Ideological Discourse Analysis. The chosen data consider pre-and post- 9/11 attacks. As such, it comprises six films before and after this event. The analysis of on-screen discourse reveals that after 9/11 attacks, there has been a shift from a comical representation to a serious one. Also, post- 9/11 on-screen discourse on terrorism either depicts or simulates true experiences of American soldiers in battlefields. Besides, Islam is represented as a threatening radical ideology against a peaceful world.

Article Details

How to Cite
ELBAH, Z. (2024). Ideological Discourse Analysis of On-Screen Discourse on Terrorism. ALTRALANG Journal, 6(1), 450-464. https://doi.org/10.52919/altralang.v6i1.441
Issue
Vol 6 No 1 (2024): ALTRALANG Journal Volume: 6 Issue: 1 / June 2024
Section
Articles

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Author Biography

Zoulaikha ELBAH, University of Khenchela Abbes Laghrour, Algeria

Dr. Zoulaikha Elbah is an associate professor of Discourse Studies at Abbes Laghrour University, Algeria. She holds a Ph.D in Discourse Studies. She is also a member of laboratory of contemporary critical imaginary and modernist studies in thought, language and literature. Her main research interests include Discourse Studies, Critical Discourse Studies, English for Specific Purposes (ESP), Linguistics, and Russell’s Logical Atomism.

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