Queer Linguistics: Taking a Critical Eye to Butch/Femme Discourse in Canada
November 4 @ 3:30 pm – 5:30 pm
Are masc and femme truly ‘queer’ labels? Join MA student Mar Pauls on November 4 for an interactive workshop on Queer Linguistics. This workshop draws on Mar’s master’s research, where they merge queer theory and critical discourse analysis to explore the way that heteronormativity may be reproduced in queer women’s discourse.
This workshop explores heteronormativity in queer women’s spaces, focusing on Canadian queer women’s discussion of gender expression-based subgroups (butch/femme). The workshop will feature an activity that examines online identity discourse. Participants will learn about ideologies of gender, queer theory, identity, belonging, and how critical discourse analysis can address issues that impact queer people. Mar will address the context and findings of their master’s research, introduce their methods, and allow workshop participants to test-drive critical discourse analysis to explore heteronormativity that may be present in online discourse. No prior experience in gender studies or discourse analysis is required. Participants will leave with an understanding of queer centered research at Carleton and the potential influence of heteronormativity on queer identities and belonging.
Mar Pauls is a master’s student in Applied Linguistics and Discourse Studies at Carleton University. Their thesis is supervised by Dr. Jaffer Sheyholislami (SLaLS) and Dr. Amrita Hari (FIST). Their research merges queer theory and critical discourse analysis to examine the influence of heteronormativity on queer women’s identity and belonging. Mar is an equity focused student with experience in language and gender, equitable assessment, and language research.
Mar has presented their research at several conferences including an invited talk and keynote and holds the UManitoba Arts Study Body Council Most Inspiring LGBTQIA+ Student Award, the ALDS Lynne Young Graduate Award, and the Best Student Poster Award from the Western Interdisciplinary Student Symposium In Linguistics.
In addition to their academic work, Mar has served as the President of the Society of Applied Linguistics and Discourse Studies (SALaDS), and remains an active and loud advocate for 2SLGBTQIA+ students and youth in their hometown of Winnipeg and here in Ottawa.
This workshop is hosted by the Carleton Gender and Sexuality Resource Centre (GSRC). Visit the GSRC Linktree to keep up with the latest updates.
