Steffi Retzlaff Bücher

This study marks a significant advance in understanding a crucial social phenomenon in Canada at the turn of the twenty-first century. For much of the twentieth century, Aboriginal people's lives were shaped by policies from Ottawa that eroded their traditional cultures and familial bonds, essential for fostering a positive self-image and healthy societal relationships. The detrimental effects of these policies are well-documented. Rather than exploring these causes and effects, the study effectively examines various linguistic strategies rooted in Aboriginal discursive models. It contrasts these with the Euro-Canadian media's treatment of similar topics and highlights the emergence of key terminology within Euro-Canadian discourse. Utilizing Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA), the research addresses relevant social, cultural, and political issues, focusing on both deconstructive and constructive elements. While CDA typically emphasizes problems and the deconstruction of dominant discourses, this analysis diverges by concentrating on constructive aspects. It highlights counter-discourses employed by Aboriginal people in Canada to challenge entrenched hegemonic practices and foster new power dynamics and social and political identities.