Language choice and ideology: Representations of the LGBT community in Malaysia's multilingual newspapers.

  • Published In: Journal of Asian Pacific Communication (John Benjamins Publishing Co.), 2026, v. 36, n. 1. P. 53 1 of 3

  • Database: Communication Source 2 of 3

  • Authored By: Yeo, Jiin-Yih; Ting, Su-Hie; Jerome, Collin 3 of 3

Abstract

This study examines how English-, Malay-, and Chinese-language newspapers in Malaysia represent the local LGBT community. Drawing on the Discourse-Historical Approach, 167 online news articles published in 2023 by The Star Online (English), Harian Metro (Malay), and China Press (Chinese) were analysed. The Star Online appears to take a relatively inclusive stance, incorporating diverse terms and occasionally quoting LGBT individuals while balancing progressive narratives with sociopolitical sensitivities. In contrast, Harian Metro tends to frame LGBT issues through moral and religious lenses, often portraying those who renounce their identities as examples of repentance. China Press presents a broader range of perspectives, offering both supportive and critical views without anchoring itself to a fixed ideological stance. Compared to Harian Metro, both The Star Online and China Press appear to provide more space for civil society and international voices. These distinct patterns highlight how language in news reporting operates not merely as a tool for communication but as a mechanism for negotiating ideological boundaries. Collectively, these findings shed light on how multilingual news reporting reflects differing ideological positions shaped by Malaysia's complex sociocultural and political contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Additional Information

  • Source:Journal of Asian Pacific Communication (John Benjamins Publishing Co.). 2026/01, Vol. 36, Issue 1, p53
  • Document Type:Article
  • Subject Area:Geography and Cartography
  • Publication Date:2026
  • ISSN:0957-6851
  • DOI:10.1075/japc.25056.yeo
  • Accession Number:192160288
  • Copyright Statement:Copyright of Journal of Asian Pacific Communication (John Benjamins Publishing Co.) is the property of John Benjamins Publishing Co. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

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