Representation of Women's and Men's Language in the Film Norah: A Sociolinguistic Analysis of Arabic

Hana  Afifah Purba; Shafiya Iftitah Rahmani; Nursukma Suri

doi:10.51614/q0njd504

Authors

Hana Afifah Purba University of North Sumatra
Shafiya Iftitah Rahmani University of North Sumatra
Nursukma Suri University of North Sumatra

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51614/q0njd504

Keywords:

gender sociolinguistics, arab identity, film analysis, gender representation

Abstract

This study analyzes how women's identity is reflected through language in the Saudi Arabian film Norah (1996). Using the framework of Gender Sociolinguistics, especially the theories of Robin Lakoff and Deborah Tannen, this research examines the differences in speech styles between male and female characters. The study uses a qualitative descriptive method and focuses on the film's dialogue to identify linguistic features such as hedges, politeness strategies, indirect speech, and forms of dominance. The findings show that Norah uses language that is soft, careful, and indirect, which reflects the restricted social position of women in a patriarchal society. Meanwhile, male characters use more direct and controlling language. The film also illustrates how language can become a space for subtle resistance, as Norah's speech develops and becomes more expressive throughout the story. Overall, the study highlights that language in Norah not only serves as a means of communication but also becomes a medium for negotiating power, social roles, and female identity in the cultural context of 1990s Saudi Arabia.

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Author Biographies

Shafiya Iftitah Rahmani, University of North Sumatra

Mahasiswa Prodi Sastra Arab Fakultas Ilmu Budaya di Universitas Sumatera Utara.
Nursukma Suri, University of North Sumatra

Dosen prodi sastra arab fakultas ilmu budaya universitas sumatera utara

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