Speaker
Description
Semantic prosody and semantic preference have been widely investigated in linguistic analysis; however, there is a limited number of studies applying these concepts to explore character representation in children's literature. This study addressed this knowledge gap by investigating the character representation of Frank Heffley in the first five books of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series by Jeff Kinney through semantic prosody and semantic preference analysis. This offered insights into the role of linguistics in uncovering hidden meanings and patterns in character presentation. Semantic prosody was central to this study as it is a linguistic concept that reveals the connotative meaning of words in context, and hence provides a deeper understanding of how people are represented in discourse. A concordance approach using Sketch Engine was employed to analyze corpus data. Analysis of the node word “Dad” (Frank Heffley) revealed predominantly positive semantic prosody. Similarly, the study identified semantic preference reflecting recurring themes associated with this character. Results revealed six key themes which illustrate Frank Heffley as a complex figure who is caring and protective but also strict, and occasionally disconnected from his children due to generational differences. The study concludes by proposing practical implications for English language teaching and curriculum development, encouraging the integration of linguistic tools and children’s literature to enhance learners’ critical thinking and intercultural competence. This approach, in turn, contributes to VietTESOL 2025’s overall theme of sustainable and global competence in English language education.
Keywords: Semantic prosody, semantic preference, character representation, critical thinking, intercultural competence
Biography
I am a novice English language teacher at Hue University of Foreign Languages and International Studies, located in the historic city of Hue, Vietnam. With a Master’s degree in English Language Studies, my academic background focuses on semantics, corpus linguistics, and discourse analysis. Throughout my studies, I have developed a strong interest in corpus linguistics, actively participating in numerous seminars and workshops to deepen my understanding and practical skills in this field.
As an early-career educator, I am passionate about continuous learning and professional growth. I am particularly drawn to the aims and themes of VietTESOL 2025, especially its focus on sustainability and global competence in English language education. I believe that engaging with this convention will provide valuable insights and innovative approaches that can enhance both my teaching practice and my students’ learning experiences.
My goal is to apply the knowledge gained from the convention to support effective English language study and teaching, not only for myself but also for my colleagues and learners.
