Adolescent discourse and the construction of identity in does my head look big in this?

Abstract EN

The aim of this paper is to examine features of adolescent discourse in Abdel-Fattah's novel Does My Head Look Big in This? and investigate the ways in which such features contribute to the construction of the identity of the protagonist Amal.

The study adopts a social constructionist view of discourse (De Fina, 2006) and is informed by the theory of indexicality (Silverstein, 2003; and Eckert, 2008).

As the novel is narrated from the first person point of view, both the narrative in the novel as well as the verbal interaction between the protagonist and other characters in the novel are sites where Amal constructs her identity.

Findings suggest that interactional behavior such as exchange of insults are opportunities where she constructs an identity of a powerful individual who is able to challenge racism, on the one hand, and as one who is the victim of media stereotyping and prejudice on the other.

The stances Amal adopts towards her uncle, and her friend's mother construct her as an insider to the Australian community, with a deeper understanding of Australian norms than the two adults, and also as a Muslim who is knowledgeable about her faith, rather than one who simply follows cultural convention.

Furthermore, references to semiotic resources in the narrative contribute to the construction of Amal's identity as a young Muslim, but also as an Australian adolescent.