CONDITIONING THE UNCONDITIONAL LOVE: A CORPUS-ASSISTED STUDY OF SINGAPORE CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY’S RESPONSE TO THE REPEAL OF S377A
CHENG ZHENGLE DON
CHENG ZHENGLE DON
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Abstract
This honours thesis explores the relationship between language and power regarding the metapragmatics of gender politics in Singapore. Specifically, the study focuses on the discourse surrounding the repeal of Penal Code Section 377A, which criminalised consensual same-sex activity between males and was announced by the Prime Minister in August 2022. Many conservative institutions and individuals, including certain religious organisations, did not respond positively to the repeal, as they are opposed to LGBTQ people and communities.
To investigate this issue, the study uses data from selected local Christian ministries’ official websites, which were analysed using corpus-assisted discourse analysis. The data was made into a corpus, and Foucauldian Discourse Analysis (FDA) was employed to critically observe hidden homophobic messages in the data. This methodology allowed the study to critically and systematically examine the linguistic features, patterns, and functions of the data from sociolinguistic viewpoints.
The results of the study suggest that members of the Christian ministries align themselves with the state’s cisheteronormative position to justify their anti-LGBTQ attitudes and sentiments. Specifically, the analysis reveals that the language used by these organisations is often discriminatory and exclusionary, and reflects a broader cultural bias against the LGBTQ community.
Overall, this study contributes to our understanding of the complex relationship between language, power, and gender politics in Singapore. By highlighting how language can be used to reinforce dominant ideologies and suppress marginalised voices, this research underscores
the need for more inclusive and equitable discourse practices in society. In particular, the findings suggest conservative religious organizations’ deeply entrenched and biased attitudes toward sexual and gender diversity.
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2023-04-10
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