Helen Ringrow

Providing an in-depth analysis of the diverse discourse types which were present in the fight for women’s bodily autonomy in Ireland over 35 years, this book explores discourse from the imposition of the 8th Amendment in 1983 to its repeal in 2018, adopting a mixed-methods critical linguistic approach. By applying models of analysis from across the spectrum of critical linguistics, the book maximises the potential of the analytical models prominent in critical linguistics and CDA, in turn maximising the number of discourse arenas available for investigation. Interdisciplinary both in terms of methodology and data, the chapters analyse a diverse range of societal texts, including traditional political campaign discourse, such as political speeches and media interviews. It also assesses the utilisation of pro-choice voices in contemporary discourse arenas, such as social media and broadcast entertainment. Politico-legal arenas, such as the Abortion Rights Campaign’s submission to the Citizens’ Assembly and parliamentary debates in both jurisdictions in Ireland, are also examined. In addressing the specific complex issue of abortion rights and exposing relevant data to diverse linguistic scrutiny, the book showcases the methodological rigour of critical linguistics in original research. Against the backdrop of ongoing reproductive rights debates in the USA, Europe, and internationally, this book is a comprehensive analysis of the linguistic strategies of a major social event which continues to resonate across the world.

This book offers a cross-cultural comparison of French and British cosmetics advertisements and explores how the discourse of beauty advertising represents ideas about femininity in French and English language contexts. As the global beauty industry expands and consumers become more critical of the claims made, the topic of cosmetics advertising discourse is examined using Feminist Critical Discourse Analysis. One common theme underlying most cosmetics advertising discourse is that the female body always requires ‘work’ to fix its ‘problems’: flat skin, dry hair, and so on. The author uses themes of language and gender, media and identity, and advertising across cultures to expose exactly what is going on in the language of cosmetics advertising and to offer a first step towards challenging these ideas and thinking about alternatives.