Exploring Gender Dynamics: A Linguistic Analysis of Gender Representation in Najib Mahfudz’s Novel Bidayah wa Nihayah

Author (s) : Eva Laily Salsabila; Muassomah
Institution : Department of Language and Arabic Literature, Maulana Malik Ibrahim Islamic State University Malang, Indonesia
Category : Article, IJMMU
Topics : Representation; Gendered Language; Novel; Stereotypes

Abstract : The researcher’s findings from the Novel Bidayah Wa Nihayah are very interesting to study in more depth regarding the analysis of gender representation (language describes characters based on gender). This research analyses the language used to portray characters based on gender and gender stereotypes in “Bidayah Wa Nihayah.” This study contributes to understanding the language differences men and women use in “Bidayah wa Nihayah,” providing insight into linguistic features employed by each gender. The findings from my research are quite intriguing, particularly regarding the representation of gender language in the novel “Bidayah wa Nihayah” by Najib Mahfudz. The study reveals the use of filler words, mitigators, and address terms. Filler words and mitigators indicate a representation of gender language that reflects male dominance and the oppression of individuals. This representation is also evident in the dominance of male characters in conversations. Female characters use language to establish, maintain, and develop personal relationships, while males view language as a tool for conveying information. Dominant gender language representation is found in the use of fillers and hedges in the conversations within Najib Mahfouz’s novel “Bidayah wa Nihayah.”

Article can be downloaded here Exploring Gender Dynamics: A Linguistic Analysis of Gender Representation in Najib Mahfudz’s Novel Bidayah wa Nihayah