Providing an in-depth analysis of the diverse discourse types present in the fight for women’s bodily autonomy in Ireland over four decades, this book explores discourse from the imposition of the Eighth Amendment in 1983 to its repeal in 2018 and beyond, 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 Critical Discourse Analysis (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 and cross-generational pro-choice leaflets. The book also assesses the utilisation of pro-choice voices in the contemporary discourse arenas of social media and broadcast entertainment, and examines politico-legal arenas such as submissions to the Citizens’ Assembly and parliamentary speeches. It also scrutinises the abortion rights campaign in the north of Ireland through interviews with a range of campaigners.

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.

Author Biography

Simon Statham is Senior Lecturer in English Language and Linguistics at Queen’s University Belfast, UK.

Helen Ringrow is Associate Professor in Contemporary Discourse at the University of Portsmouth, UK.

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