ELG217: Discuss and Demonstrate How “Symbolic Domination” (Bourdieu 1992): Language and Society Essay, SUSS, Singapore

Question

Discuss and demonstrate how “symbolic domination” (Bourdieu 1992) is related to language and society. You should write no more than 1,000 words.

Students’ Notes

The focus of this question is on Bourdieu’s (1992) theory of symbolic domination, found in Study Unit 2.

• You will first have to show a clear understanding of the theory proposed by Bourdieu.
• Second, you will have to relate the theory to language use in society.
• Third, you will have to show concrete and specific examples of the operation of this theory.

You may give examples from newspaper articles, excerpts from interviews, official documents, and even from your own personal experiences to support your statements.

As you demonstrate the examples, be sure that they are able to defend your theoretical understanding of Bourdieu’s theory. Your examples, either from within Singapore or otherwise, should be convincing to the reader.