The Discursive Construction of National Identity

Which topics, discursive strategies, and linguistic devices are employed in the construction of national sameness and uniqueness on the one hand and difference to other national collectives on the other? This volume examines European discourses of national identity, paying particular attention to Austria. The authors interpret ongoing transformations of the self and the other through a combination of historical theory and methodology and political science. They consider the rhetorical promotion of national identification and the linguistic construction and reproduction of national difference multiple levels within the nation state. This expanded and revised edition covers the impact of socio-political changes in Austria and in the European Union and the attempt to construct hegemonic national identities.

Ruth Wodak is distinguished professor of discourse studies at Lancaster University. Rudolf de Cillia is professor of applied linguistics at the University of Vienna. Martin Reisigl is a lecturer in the Department of Linguistics, University of Vienna. Karin Liebhart is a researcher in the Department of Political Science, University of Vienna.