"I WANT TO END WELL": AFFECTIVE ANALYSIS OF THE LIFE IS A JOURNEY CONCEPTUAL METAPHOR BY EX-OFFENDERS IN SINGAPORE

Abstract

This thesis investigates ex-offenders’ narratives in Singapore by focusing on affect and metaphor. The data are media materials produced and made available by the Yellow Ribbon Project (YRP). The YRP is a state-affiliated campaign launched in 2004, which supports the reintegration of ex-offenders back into society. I downloaded a podcast series titled Reborn, and selected promotional videos from the YRP’s online resources for my analysis. I employ Lakoff and Johnson’s (1980) conceptual metaphors framework, and examine the affective dimensions of the LIFE IS A JOURNEY conceptual metaphor. The primary concern of my thesis is to examine this state-endorsed campaign and discover how affect is used as a tool for encouraging societal change. In doing so, I follow Crawford’s (2009) work on conceptual metaphors and affect, and demonstrate how the source domain of conceptual metaphors are uniquely poised to offer affective insights. My findings suggest that the ex-offenders’ reintegration narratives are highly influenced by governmental discourse about societal norms and obligations which are known as Shared Values (1991). I conclude the thesis by discussing that the ex-offenders are presented as men who display idealised Singaporean masculinity via their use of affect in their narratives.