A corpus-assisted discourse analysis of the representation of Syrian refugees in Canadian newspapers

Abstract

This paper examines the representation of Syrian refugees in the Canadian press, from December 2015 to December 2017, in four English-language major newspapers. Using methods of Corpus Linguistics (CL) and Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA), this study found three prominent themes, namely intake, integration, and concern, through which Syrian refugees are depicted across the political spectrum. The results indicate that adopting a more inclusive immigration policy did not totally negate the biased and discriminatory representations entrenched in the media coverage of refugees, but it can set the stage for more empowering and sympathetic treatment of refugees in the media. This analysis speaks to the importance of media discourse in producing and maintaining particular depictions of refugees among the Canadian public, highlighting the role of ideological and political stances in the portrayals of refugees across news outlets.

Analysis of the multiple dimensions of ideological education in Marxist theory

“…D focuses on the complex morphological entanglement between discourse, ideology, and practical application and, through an analysis of Marxist ideology, suggests the interplay of coded dialectics and class ethnography under the economy [14]. Sijani, N. O Utilizing corpus linguistics and critical discourse analysis, three themes of acceptance, integration, and concern were identified and applied to describe political refugees across Syria [15].…”