A Discourse Analysis of Ethnic Conflict and Peace in the Editorials of English Newspapers A Case Study of Sri Lanka

Abstract

Discourse constitutes power in constructing ideational, textual and interpersonal constructs which are ideological. It can transmit and even legitimize power in society. In the post-war development scenario, the editorials of Sri Lankan national newspapers should develop constructive discourse on politics and development to make a positive impact on legislative changes. This paper reveals subtle representation of ethno nationalism in the editorials in the Sri Lankan English newspapers. The study focuses on whether the media has been a part of the problem or a part of the solution to the Sri Lankan conflict. Since newspaper and editorial discourses are the constructions of journalists and editors of the elites, community biased ideologies are traceable in the linguistic expressions which are often ‘revealed in mild forms’. This case study uses Social Constructionist approach (qualitative), mainly discourse analysis, which aims at the shared meanings and on how they are produced on ethnic conflict and peace by investigating the themes, structures and strategies of an editorial of a national newspapers to arrive at its linguistically embedded ideological and attitudinal positions.