The Relationship between Linguistic Strategies and the Ideology of “Being a New Mother” on the Facebook Page “Khun Mae Luk On”

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Modern women take on numerous roles comparable to those of men, including pursuing education and establishing careers in their chosen fields. However, one distinct role that sets them apart is motherhood, which encompasses conceiving, giving birth, and raising children. This responsibility remains a significant source of women’s value within both the family and society. This research aimed to examine the relationship between linguistic strategies and the ideology of “being a new mother” as shown on the Facebook page “Khun Mae Luk On”.

Methods: This research is a linguistic study employing a qualitative research method. Data were collected from the Facebook page “Khun Mae Luk On” between January 1 and December 31, 2023, totaling 124 posts. The data were analyzed using the critical discourse analysis (CDA) framework.

Results: The findings revealed 11 linguistic strategies used in the discourse: 1) using pronouns, 2) modality 3) synonyms, 4) referencing, 5) metaphor, 6) presupposition, 7) rhetorical questions, 8) contrastive or opposing sentence structures, 9) conditional sentences, 10) repeating pattern, and 11) imagery. These linguistic strategies conveyed three key ideological notions of being a new mother: 1) new mothers had to be prepared to endure exhaustion and challenges, 2) new mothers had to be capable of both childcare and household management, and 3) new mothers relied on love and support from their children and husbands. The processes and methods through which the text is produced and disseminated contribute to the transmission and reinforcement of ideas surrounding motherhood. These ideas become ingrained in societal beliefs and perceptions, forming an ideology that dictates, dominates, and perpetuates gender inequality. As a result, women are turned into social tools used to uphold and support the ideal of complete masculinity. Furthermore, the use of linguistic strategies on the Facebook page “Khun Mae Luk On” also reveals underlying business reasons. 

Application of this study: Studying the relationship between linguistic strategies and ideology helped to understand the thought systems of people in the society. This, in turn, exposed how ideas, beliefs, and values were socially constructed and perpetuated, serving as a foundation for further critical discourse analysis. 

Conclusions: These ideological notions were constructed, disseminated, and reinforced, shaping the societal expectation that women were responsible for childcare and household duties. These ideas have been reproduced within a patriarchal society, embedding a dominant ideology within the text, suggesting that, regardless of circumstances, women still require protection and care from men.