Exploring National Identity (Re)production: A Critical Discourse Analysis of Iran's Representation on its Official Tourism Website

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.32996/ijls.2024.4.2.5

Keywords:

Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA); Iranian National Identity; Media Discourse; Official Tourism Website; Tourism Discourse

Abstract

Given the significance of tourism in national identity construction and promotion in current era along with Iran’s need for such an international image promotion, the present study investigated the linguistic texts on the discourse of the Iranian official tourism website to achieve two objectives. Firstly, considering the convoluted interplay among discourse, tourism, and national identity, it investigates how Iranians, in terms of their identity, are represented in the linguistic texts of the discourse used on the Iranian official tourism website. Secondly, it identifies how the discourse either maintains, challenges, or transforms the existing stereotyped perceptions of its identity, embracing its Western represented portrayal in Western media. The current study adopted critical discourse analysis as its framework and used Fairclough’s three-dimensional model as its approach to CDA. The findings of the study demonstrated that Iranians’ authentic and genuine identity, by which they wish to be seen, contests the Western mainstream perceptions of Iranian national identity. Therefore, there is a tendency to transform the prevailing Western stereotypical perceptions of their identity from the producers of the analyzed discourse.

Author Biographies

  • Ebrahim Douzandeh, University of Buraimi, Al Buraimi, Oman

    Mr. Ebrahim Douzandeh is an English Language Lecturer and Researcher in Linguistics at the Center of Foundation Studies of the University of Buraimi, is at the forefront of academic inquiry. Currently pursuing a Ph.D., he demonstrates unwavering enthusiasm for research within the expansive domains of discourse and critical discourse studies.

  • Adnan Bataineh, University of Buraimi, Al Buraimi, Oman

    Dr. Adnan M. Bataineh’s passion for gender studies shines through in his background as well as in the practical ways he applies his knowledge. His ranging experience and valuable contributions greatly enhanced efforts in the field. His unwavering commitment to exploring and comprehending the complexities of discourse dynamics brings an understanding and fresh perspective to the present research endeavors.

  • Aisha AbdulAziz Al Marbuii Al Marbuii , University of Buraimi, Al Buraimi, Oman

    Ms. Aisha AbdulAziz Al Marbuii is a dynamic educator with a master’s degree in TESOL and currently pursuing a PhD in Educational Leadership. With successful tenure as both a lecturer and department head at the University of Buraimi, she has achieved remarkable milestones in academia. She is deeply passionate about research and exploring innovative approaches to enhance educational practices and contribute to the advancement of knowledge in her field.

  • Halima Saif Al Badi, University of Buraimi, Al Buraimi, Oman

    Ms. Halima Saif Al Badi is a graduate of Al Ain University of Science and Technology, holding a B.A. in English Language Teacher Education. Currently teaching at the University of Buraimi, her passion lies in both teaching and research. She is committed to fostering a dynamic learning environment where students can thrive academically and personally.

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Published

2024-06-11

Issue

Vol. 4 No. 2

Section

Research Article

How to Cite

Douzandeh, E., Bataineh, A., Al Marbuii , A. A. A. M., & Halima Saif Al Badi. (2024). Exploring National Identity (Re)production: A Critical Discourse Analysis of Iran’s Representation on its Official Tourism Website. International Journal of Linguistics Studies , 4(2), 50-63. https://doi.org/10.32996/ijls.2024.4.2.5