In their own words: The construction of the image of the immigrant in Peninsular Spanish broadsheets and freesheets

Abstract

This study examines the discourse representation of migrant voices in two Spanish broadsheets and two freesheets through the analysis of quoted utterances. Data analyzed were gathered within the framework of a year-long EU research pilot project aimed at developing a cost-effective methodology to comparatively analyze print media content from six EU member states (FRA2—2007—3200—02-NP-02, 2008). Within the paradigm of CDA and drawing on Appraisal Theory (Martin and White, 2005), we analyzed the writer’s use of different types of reported speech, the corresponding reporting verbs, the endorsement of the reported voices, and the attitudes and emotions that these denote. Results show some significant differences in the way immigrants’ voices are reported in Spanish broadsheets and freesheets. While the stories from the broadsheets depict voices of human suffering, freesheets articles show a different immigrant voice: one which is confident, successful, and well-adapted to the host environment.