CRITICAL DISCOURSE ANALYSIS OF RİP VAN WİNKLE BY WASHINGTON IRVING

Abstract

Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) is an interdisciplinary method focused on analyzing ideologies and power dynamics, whether explicit or implicit, within discourses. Its interdisciplinary nature stems from its collaboration with fields such as Rhetoric, Text linguistics, Anthropology, Philosophy, Socio-Psychology, Cognitive Science, Literary Studies and Sociolinguistics, as well as Applied Linguistics and Pragmatics. It is a method used in the analysis of both written and spoken discourses. It enables the identification of social inequalities, power abuse, and ideological elements that emerge in discourse. It is also used to make sense of social media, advertising, or politics discourses based on how the manipulations that occur through discourse in daily life shape individuals or societies. Washington Irving’s Rip Van Winkle that is the subject of the study, is considered one of the first works of American literature. Based on the premise that discourses only reveal their true meaning when considered within the context in which they are produced, this work, written in 1819, requires evaluation within its historical context. While Irving’s work was once interpreted as a legendary escape from history, it is now considered an important part of American history. This study aims to examine Rip Van Winkle narrative within the framework of Critical Discourse Analysis, to shed light on issues such as the socio-political structure of the period and the balances of power in its historical background, while also reaching historical information about America at the time.