Reading the script

An analysis of script formulation in coming out advice texts

Bibliographic Data

ID3078296
AuthorsDeborah A Chirrey (Edge Hill University, corresponding author)
Year2012
Volume1
Issue1
Pages35-58
Publication date2012-03-15
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueJournal of Language and Sexuality (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2211-3770 • E-ISSN: 2211-3789
PublisherJohn Benjamins Publishing Company (PUBLISHER • NL)
DOI10.1075/jls.1.1.03chi
OpenAlexW2315071508
LanguageEN
Citations received8

This article investigates how the process of coming out as lesbian, gay or bisexual (LGB) is represented both on internet sites and in paper pamphlets offering advice. The analysis of the texts makes use of script formulation theory, as developed by Edwards (1994, 1995, 1997, 2004), and reveals a degree of interdiscursivity between the texts, in that coming out is scripted with a high level of homogeneity. A number of different scripts relating to coming out are identified and consideration is given to the rhetorical functions performed by these particular scripts. It is argued that the selection, elaboration, support and opposition of particular scripts formulates coming out as a rational, positive and emancipatory action for an LGB individual to undertake. Moreover, the writers present coming out as an ordered and predictable event, which functions to persuade the reader that coming out is an achievable and attainable objective

Coming out · Lesbian · Linguistics · Opposition (politics · Political science · Rhetorical question · Scripting language · Sociology · Computer Science · Discourse Analysis in Language Studies · Gender Studies · Language, Discourse, Communication Strategies · Law · Philosophy · Psychology · Social Psychology · Translation Studies and Practices

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Open DOISci-HubOpen Access