Habiba Chafai

(Mis) Representing the 'other': "Honour Killing" in the British Press Habiba Chafai

This study aims to explore how the phenomenon of ?honour killing? is reported in British newspapers by looking at the different linguistic and discursive strategies used in the news coverage of two victims among Muslim immigrants in the UK. The multidisciplinary approach of Critical Discourse Analysis; in particular van Dijk?s framework (1991, 1993, 1995, 1996, 1998, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2006, 2008 and 2009) provides the theoretical backdrop for the study. The description, interpretation and explanation of the linguistic and discursive mechanisms - lexical choice, implicit meanings, semantic strategies, sources and quotations - unveil the ideological constructions underlying the texts. The study also addresses questions such as whether or not the press associates ?honour killings? with Islam and Muslims or with cultural tribal custom, whether or not news reports reinforce the reproduction of popular stereotypes, and whether or not they express a reinforcement of prejudice against immigrant Muslim communities. The study thus intends to assess how the British press tackles the concepts of identity and difference in the UK?s growing multicultural and multifaith society.