Asian Research Thesis Index

Abstract

This qualitative study focuses on the effects of adult discursive practices on language, consciousness, identity formation and development of worldview of children as presented in contemporary literature. To gain the objectives of the study, three literary texts, The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini, The Road to Nab End by William Woodruff and Say You’re One of Them by Uwem Akpan, have been analyzed and interpreted using van Djik’s socio-cognitive methodological framework of micro and macro analysis in the context of language and linguistics. The analysis and interpretation of the texts, at the local and global level of discourse, is based on the Social Constructionist perspective with an emphasis on the children’s understanding of self/other, and the world and reality around them in the prevalent socio-political context, with respect to the dialogic process of meaning making between children and adults. Based on the analysis of language and discourse in the selected text, critical insights are drawn as conclusion, and these refer to adult discourse, which is marked by cultural, religious and political factors as its markers, poses cognitive borders for child’s understanding of his/her identity and social position in society. Moreover, adult rationale for war, violence, extremism and genocide not only confuse children’s concept of reality but has severe psychological, physical and cognitive consequences for their normal course of development. In conclusion, the adult responsibility towards children not only pertains to their physical care and protection but also to their psychological and cognitive growth and development into healthy and developed minds, which can lead the world towards a constructive future.

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