These Two Are Speaking Welsh on Channel 4

Welsh Representations and Cultural Tensions on Big Brother 7

Bibliographic Data

ID7512440
AuthorsBethany Klein (0000-0003-0638-5549, University of Leeds, corresponding author), Claire Wardle (0000-0003-4597-8574, Cardiff University)
Year2008
Volume9
Issue6
Pages514-530
Publication date2008-03-20
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueTelevision & New Media (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1527-4764 • E-ISSN: 1552-8316
PublisherSAGE Publishing (PUBLISHER • US)
DOI10.1177/1527476408323350
OpenAlexW2019523293
LanguageEN
Citations received6
References cited22

As the number and popularity of reality programs continue to grow, there has been an increasing focus in television studies on the representative and constitutive potential of unscripted dramas. Through its inclusion of two Welsh-speaking housemates and consideration of the use of the language on the program, Big Brother 7 provided an opportunity for viewers to deliberate on issues of identity, culture, and nationalism. This article examines the postings that appeared on internet message boards in response to this program, demonstrating the extent to which Big Brother 7 prompted discussions and debate about Welsh culture and language. Significantly, much of the discourse about Wales and the Welsh language was civil, rational, and deliberative, a theme that runs contrary to increasingly accepted wisdom about message board culture. This case also highlights the uses and limitations of popular reality programming for affirming identity and celebrating cultural differences

Aesthetics · Art · Brother · Identity (music · Linguistics · Media studies · Nationalism · Political science · Politics · Popular culture · Popularity · Sociology · Theme (computing · Welsh · World Wide Web · Computer Science · Gender, Feminism, and Media · Law · Media Studies and Communication · Scottish History and National Identity

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