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Islands and national identity: The metaphors of Singapore
Citation
Chew, P. G.-L. (2000). Islands and national identity: The metaphors of Singapore. International Journal of the Sociology of Language, 143(1), 121–137. https://doi.org/10.1515/ijsl.2000.143.121
Author
Chew, Phyllis Ghim Lian
Abstract
There have been numerous studies on Singapore's history, culture, and education, but few have focused specifically on the relationship between national identity and "islandness. " This paper examines how islandness and identity are inextricably intertwined and manifested in sociopolitical attitudes and language behavior. Since metaphors are our primary means of conceptualizing the world, an analysis of the metaphors of Singapore, as used by its leaders, over the past decade, will give us a greater understanding of the sudden emergence of this phenomenal nation-state, an island whose political, economic, and social significance far exceeds its size.
Date Issued
2000
Publisher
De Gruyter
Journal
International Journal of the Sociology of Language