Yale Conference on Baltic and Scandinavian Studies

Description

Ragnhild Ljosland's presentation was entitled: A discourse analysis of the representation of Scandinavia in Scottish political pro-independence speeches. Abstract: In 2014, Scotland is holding a referendum on whether to dissolve the union of 1707 uniting Scotland to the rest of the United Kingdom. In the political discourse arguing in favour of Scottish independence, reference is often made to the Scandinavian countries as representing positive role models for smaller independent states. This applied linguistics paper will utilise discourse analysis methodology in analysing speeches made by the Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond and media reports of such speeches where reference is made to either Norway, Denmark or Sweden. In which ways are the Scandinavian countries envisaged as being different from the present United Kingdom? Is the vision of an independent Scotland modelled on a perception of Scandinavian countries as smaller, fairer and wealthier than the UK? Which words are used to describe contemporary Scandinavia and how are references to Scandinavia used as a rhetorical means of persuasion in pro-independence political discourse? About the conference: The 2014 Conference on Baltic and Scandinavian Studies is hosted by Yale¿s Baltic Studies Program and the European Studies Council at the Whitney and Betty MacMillan Center for International and Area Studies at Yale. The conference features concurrent panels interspersed with thematic lunches, concerts, tours, and more. Guest speakers include Anders Winroth, Forst Family Professor and Director of Graduate Studies of History at Yale University.

Period	13 Mar 2014 → 15 Mar 2014
Event type	Conference
Location	New Haven, United States