A pragma-discourse analysis of language manipulation for suppression: absence of male voice in female writings

Abstract

The study examines language manipulation to conceal the victimization, suppression, and oppression of males. The dissembled side of the language has been dissected by qualitative data. Two female authors’ Bapsi Sidhwa and Anita Desai, texts were selected and analyzed to find the manipulation of language. Marginalized masculinity theory by Connell (1995) and Fairclough’s (1989) critical discourse analysis model were applied, and thematic analysis as an approach was used. In the second phase, data was analyzed pragmatically using inference and implicature techniques to hit on the hidden side of the story. Findings reveal that language is manipulated to highlight female victimization while concealing male victimization. Female writers frequently use their oppression to blame the male gender. The social interpretation of the text reveals that both genders suffer equally and have equal rights, which should be discussed and highlighted. This study recommends that victimization, suppression, and oppression can also be studied from the male perspective. It will be helpful for future researchers to speak out about the most ignorant and repressed gender in society.