A Multimodal Discourse Analysis Of Impoliteness In Algerian Hirak Posters

Abstract

Abstract The present study aims at providing a state of the art picture of a multimodal perspective on impoliteness strategies in selected Algerian Hirak posters. To this end, the study adopted a combination of Kress and Van Leeuwen’s (2006) Visual Grammar and Culpeper’s (2011) Impoliteness model. Further, a number of three protest posters were analyzed qualitatively. The results demonstrated the prominence of representational, interactive and compositional metafunctions in constructing meaning of the discourse of protest, reprimand and criticism. In addition, the findings exhibited the manifestation of a set of multimodal modes indexing possible impoliteness strategies in Algerian Hirak posters. The posters under analysis revealed the presence of participants picturing figures of Hirak supporters to increase the feeling of nationalism and patriotism in the audience.Importantly, the present study pointed to the persuasive nature of multimodal resources that targeted mobilizing and urging the persistence of anti-corruption Hirak movement.