Discourse Analysis of the Most Circulated Turkish Newspapers on Elif Shafak’s Acknowledgment of Her Bisexuality
in: Women’s Empowerment for a Sustainable Future, Apple Acad Press Inc, pp.55-72, 2026
- Publication Type: Book Chapter / Chapter Research Book
- Publication Date: 2026
- Doi Number: 10.1201/9781779641618-3
- Publisher: Apple Acad Press Inc
- Page Numbers: pp.55-72
- Keywords: Bisexuality, Discourse analysis, Discourse strategies, Elif Shafak, Teun A van Dijk, Turkish mainstream media
- TED University Affiliated: Yes
Abstract
Elif Shafak, a renowned author, faced criticism after openly discussing her bisexuality in a TED Talks. As an advocate for freedom of speech, women’s rights, minority rights, and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer (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 19 widely circulated mainstream Turkish newspapers, using Teun A van Dijk’s ideological discourse structures.