Linguistic power bases and structures in Kopstukke (1992) by Jeanne Goosen

Abstract

This article argues that in Kopstukke a linguistic analysis of the text can illustrate how specific gendered relations operating within the text are supported by the linguistic fibre of the text. In Kopstukke the linguistic ecology which is created within the boundaries of the text supports a "postfeminist" perception of gendered relations and relations of dominance in general. It is argued that by violating certain stereotypical linguistic boundaries (e.g. syntactic structures, linguistic taboos, discourse strategies), barriers operating within the society (which is mirrored in the text) are dismantled.