FISIÓN O FUSIÓN

The second research question focuses in identifying various linguistic means that were deployed to represent transsexuals. Critical discourse analysis focuses on the analysis of linguistic means as language could be manipulated to serve a particular individual’s or organisation’s interest. This is because language users have the choice to select and structure linguistics means and these choices are motivated by their interest, opinion and experience (Janks, 2005).

In the present study, the researcher analysed on the way lexical units, hyperbole, pronouns, passive forms, parallelism, quantifiers and presuppositions were utilised in constructing transsexuals’ identity. The analysis of the linguistic means shows that transsexuals were represented as heavily stigmatised individuals. Their discrimination as an ostracised group was accentuated and intensified in the articles that were examined. The use of hyperbole and emotionally charged language that contains loaded words and phrases represent transsexuals as victims of discrimination. The use of hyperbole and emotionally charged words in the articles may have been aimed in stirring readers’ emotion. Having described transsexuals as victims of discrimination, the articles have also described that most of the transsexuals are involved in sex trade. With the use of lexical units such as referencing and naming transsexuals were presented as sex workers. The articles described that most of the transsexuals in Malaysia are forced into sex trade. This is done using quantifiers and fallacy of numbers. It should be noted that the articles have also largely focused on male-to- female transsexuals and excluded female-to-male transsexuals. When transsexuals were

described as individuals involved in sex trade, the articles actually focuses on male-to- female transsexuals. However, this was not made explicit. It was often presupposed that transsexuals are male-to-female transsexuals.

Lexical units and hyperbole was also used to represent transexualism as a medical disorder. The texts describe transsexuals as those who feel that they are trapped in the wrong body. Such representation helps to intensely describe transsexuals as those experiencing a disorder. Although various theories in the domain of gender describe gender as learned attributes, the constant effort of social activists to represent transsexualism as a disorder may have influenced the media. Besides, this particular representation may have been preferred because of the socio-political situation in Malaysia.

The analysis also shows that pronouns were used to label transsexuals according to their biological appearance and also the attitude of the dominant group towards these individuals. Pronouns “he” and “she” are often assigned to transsexuals depending on their biological appearance. If a male-to-female transsexual has undergone sex- reassignment surgery, the person is assigned with pronoun “she”. However, the print media’s decision on the use of pronoun for a transsexual is often influenced by the attitude and decision of authority. If a transsexual who has been prosecuted is discussed in the articles, the person is assigned with pronouns that reflects the gender that is stated on the person’s identity card rather that his or her biological appearance. As a result there is inconsistency in the print media in the way pronouns were assigned to transsexuals.

The analysis of linguistic means also shows that transsexuals in Malaysia were constructed as an out group. The use of pronoun depicts that the articles have used pronoun “we” to claim solidarity with readers. Readers, who are presupposed as non-

transsexuals, were placed in a group together with the writers. Transsexuals on the other hand, are represented as an out group through the use of pronouns “us” and them.

The analysis of linguistic means also depicts that transsexuals were often represented as beneficiaries of an action and not “doer”. This form of representation may not help to empower transsexuals. It was also noted that passive forms were used when the one responsible for the discrimination against transsexual was discussed. The use of passive forms allows the omission and backgrounding of agencies. In the articles, passive forms were used to mitigate the role of authorities and other individuals, including the readers for the problems faced by transsexuals in Malaysia. This inadvertently, disassociates readers and others from responsibility and does little to reduce stereotype.

The representation of transsexuals as victims has represented them as weak and dependent individuals. This is similar to the way the aging population were represented in the print media. The research conducted by Parvinder and Thavamalar (2007), have highlighted that the elderly were represented as dependent in the print media. The researchers claimed that the representation of minority groups as dependent and weak individuals isolate these individual. Hence, the representation of transsexuals as victims and dependent individuals may alienate and isolate transsexuals. This may eventually assign transsexuals a less prominent status in the society as they are constantly seen as individuals that need to be sympathised.

In summary, the use of linguistic means has helped the print media to represent transsexuals in Malaysia with negatively connoted words, referencing and emotionally charged language. The texts however, did not do much in changing the existing stereotype as the representation has reinforced the ideological stands of the print media and the dominant group. The analysis shows that, although the texts have attempted to portray transsexuals in a favourable manner, they were sensationalised by focusing too

much on the victimisation of transsexuals. The articles have also excluded female-to- male transsexuals in their representation and have mostly represented transsexuals as a homogeneous group instead of individuals with complexity and diversity. These forms of representation reduce these individuals potential and abilities (Parvinder and Thavamalar, 2007). The analysis also depicts the same level of prominence was not provided for transsexuals and others. Social activists, medical officers and officials were assigned with positively connoted words and referencing to increase the credibility of these individuals. Transsexuals on the hand are depersonalised and simply referred as “the mak yah” or “the transsexual”.

The finding of the research is similar to those carried out by Parvinder and Thavamalar (2007) and Zainon and Kamila (2011) on the representation of elderly and homosexuals. Similar to these two studies, the present research has analysed the way linguistic repertoires were deployed in the representation of minority and concludes that the use of linguistic means in the two print media are historically and ideologically embedded.