The Relationship between Language and Representations of Isan People in National Newspapers: a Critical Discourse Analysis

Abstract

This article aims at examining how Isan people are linguistically represented in national newspapers in Thai between the years 2004 to 2013 by employing the approach of Critical Discourse Analysis. The author focuses on two newspapers, namely Thairath and Dailynews. The data was collected from January 1, 2004 to December 31, 2013. Altogether 1,924 articles and news were collected. The analysis reveals that in the national newspapers several linguistic strategies are employed to represent Isan people. The six major strategies include: 1) lexical choice selection; 2) metaphors; 3) presupposition; 4) the use of passive voice structure; 5) the use of intertextuality; and 6) the use of rhetorical questions. All these linguistic strategies represent of Isan people in three different aspects: 1) Personality and traits: Isan people are proud of themselves and their region. They are patient, group-oriented and generous; 2) Economic and social aspect: Isan people are poorly educated and lack of opportunity. Isan people are labor force. They are victimized by other groups of people; 3) Political aspect: Isan people are a major political stronghold that plays an influential role in Thai politics. However, they often become political victims. The representations of Isan people are prominently related to social context. They are somewhat biased which reflects social inequality.