Discourse Analysis of the Most Circulated Turkish Newspapers on Elif Shafak Acknowledgement of Her Bisexuality
in: Women’s Empowerment for a Sustainable Future, Chitra Krishnan, Editor, Apple Acad Press Inc, Florida, pp.32-45, 2026
- Publication Type: Book Chapter / Chapter Research Book
- Publication Date: 2026
- Publisher: Apple Acad Press Inc
- City: Florida
- Page Numbers: pp.32-45
- Editors: Chitra Krishnan, Editor
- TED University Affiliated: Yes
Abstract
Elif Shafak, a renowned author, faced criticism after openly discussing her bisexuality in a TED Talk. As an advocate for freedom of speech, women's rights, minority rights, and LGBTQ+ rights, Shafak expressed her appreciation for the beauty of cosmopolitanism and diversity, which garnered significant applause. However, some reactions to her statements accused her of challenging long-standing Turkish traditions, dishonoring family values, and engaging in perversion and exhibitionism. This study examines how Shafak's explanations regarding her bisexuality were covered in a representative sample of nineteen widely circulated mainstream Turkish newspapers, using Teun A. van Dijk's ideological discourse structures.