Sara Eliana Kuriakose
Department of English and Foreign Languages, College of Engineering and Technology, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur Campus, Chennai 603203, Tamil Nadu, India
K. Maragathavel
Department of English and Foreign Languages, College of Engineering and Technology, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur Campus, Chennai 603203, Tamil Nadu, India
This study employs cognitive-functional linguistic approaches to examine the mental representations of gender in contemporary transgender literature. By analysing a corpus of transgender narratives, we investigate how cognitive mechanisms such as conceptual metaphors, image schemas, and categorisation processes contribute to the linguistic construction and expression of gender identity. Our findings reveal prevalent conceptual metaphors like ‘gender as a journey’ and ‘identity as a construction,’ which provide insights into the cognitive framing of transgender experiences. Image schemas, particularly those related to containment and transformation, emerge as significant in describing gender transitions. The study also uncovers unique categorisation patterns and prototype effects in gender-related language, reflecting the complex and fluid nature of gender identities. These cognitive-functional patterns not only illuminate the mental representations underlying transgender language but also offer a deeper understanding of how language shapes and is shaped by gender experiences. The research contributes to both transgender studies and cognitive linguistics, demonstrating the potential of this interdisciplinary approach in exploring gender identity through language. Our findings have implications for fostering more inclusive language practices and enhancing communication about gender diversity.
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Copyright © 2024 Sara Eliana Kuriakose, K. Maragathavel
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