Linguistic expressions of solidarity in the television series Murdoch Mysteries

Abstract

The article explores linguistic expressions of solidarity in a Canadian television series entitled Murdoch Mysteries. The episodes chosen—“The Local Option,” “Marked Twain” and “Colour Blinded”—are contextualised historically and analysed linguistically with the purpose of identifying the preferences for religious lexemes or blunt words. The analysis focuses on the elements that prove the dominance of one gender or ethnicity over another by means of linguistic expressions of power and discrimination. The applicative part attempts to investigate two directions: to demonstrate that individuals belonging to different cultural, religious and social backgrounds resort to verbal expressions of solidarity in unexpected situations and show sympathy to those who have been wronged; and to display an open attitude to controversial issues connected with private life and human rights.

Keywords

• expressions of solidarity
• linguistics
• murdoch mysteries