The Linguistic Representation of Identity and Selfhood: A Multimodal Discourse and Narrative Analysis of Gen X, Z and Alpha

Abstract

The study investigates how different generations which include Generation X, Generation Z, and Generation Alpha express their identity and selfhood through language and other modes of expression by using Multimodal Discourse Analysis (MDA) and Narrative Analysis. The research investigates how individuals from different generations construct their identities through their language and visual symbols and digital media and personal storytelling. The study employs two methodological approaches which enable researchers to investigate communication patterns and study the identity development process. The analysis of Multimodal Discourse enables researchers to study various communication channels which include reading materials and visual content and emoji usage and video content and online user behavior in social media and digital storytelling and online communication platforms. Narrative Analysis studies how people tell personal and family stories to determine how they view their life events and social relationships and their identity in different cultural settings. The study demonstrates that technological developments and cultural changes and new ways of communication shape how people identify with their generation. Generation X identity narratives tend to emphasize stability, institutional structures, and linear life trajectories which stem from pre-digital communication norms. Generation Z demonstrates fluid, performative, and digitally mediated identity construction which people develop through self-curation and inclusive online dialogue and interactive online participation. Generation Alpha establishes its identity through visual-centric platform-based communication which combines virtual and real elements in highly immersive algorithm-based digital environments. Identity formation develops through storytelling and through people showing their identity through different modes of expression. The research establishes interdisciplinary connections by showing how people develop their identity and selfhood through new communication tools which keep changing over time. The research uses multimodal and narrative approaches to study how digital societies change generational identities in modern society.