A Methodological Approach To The Analysis Of Social Inequality In Old English Discourse

Abstract

This paper emerges as a methodological counterpart to a previous article (Fernandez Martinez 2007 a) which proposed a theoretical scheme for the analysis of Old English texts as a strategic heterogeneous discourse type. The method we present now suggests a tool kit for the analysis of connotations of authority and social inequality as evinced through the linguistic presentation of the individuals involved in the message. These instruments focus on the enactment of individuals as both a centre of structure and action by attending to different levels of analysis, namely, to the structures of identification systems, and to nominal and verbal groups. In order to illustrate the applicability of these tools, traditional remarks on some Old English texts will be discussed and reformulated. Our purpose is to cast new light on previous research and to undertake the examination of these texts within an updated methodological framework.