Document Type : Research in linguistic and literary studies
Authors
1
English Department, Faculty of Alsun, Luxor University
2
Department of English, Faculty of Languages, Sohag University, Sohag, Egypt
3
Department of English. Faculty of Languages. Sohag University. Sohag. Egypt
Abstract
The study explores gossip as a linguistic device and a narrative element within the emerging contemporary modern Egyptian literary discourse; namely "Vertigo"; a novel written by Ahmed Mourad (2007). This study demonstrates the function of gossip for representing social structures, identity formation, and power dynamics within the storyline. The study aims at identifying the most frequent types of gossip used in the novel, examining the linguistic features of gossip, including its tone, style, and register, and analyzing how gossip, as a linguistic device, functions to conceptualize status and identity in "Vertigo". Through qualitative textual analysis, recurrent thematic patterns were identified to elucidate the impact of gossip on character development and narrative progression within the novel. The study employs Deborah Jones'(1980) Types of Gossip, Foster's (2004) Functions of Gossip, Lakoff's (1975) Linguistic Features of Gossip, and Dell Hymes' (1972) SPEAKING Model to analyze the varied dynamics. The study has found that gossip, as a linguistic device and a narrative element, has its capacity to both unify and fragment social groups. It functions as a mechanism for character development, plot progression, and the construction of social representations. Furthermore, it operates as an informal linguistic mode of social control, facilitating the establishment of status and the exertion of power. Also, the study has revealed that gossip has intersections with gender and class, either supporting or eroding the social structures.
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