Power and Solidarity in Positive Facebook Postings Amidst Covid-19 in Malaysia

Abstract

Background and Purpose: Coronavirus has posed an unfamiliar threat to the world. Despite such circumstances, Malaysians continue to stay optimistic by keeping abreast with updates and mostly by seeking refuge in hopeful and consoling messages shared by fellow citizens. This study identified Facebook postings with positive messages, posted by Malaysians during the Movement Control Order (MCO) implemented by the Malaysian government as a form of prosocial behaviour.
 
 Methodology: Through an analytic framework consisting of Positive Discourse Analysis and Critical Discourse Analysis, 15 Facebook postings related to COVID-19 were selected and identified as positive discourse, which were coded and categorised using a thematic analysis. Further analysis was also conducted on the linguistic features identified in the narratives of the postings showing the construction of positive discourse in the Facebook postings.
 
 Findings: The findings demonstrate an extensive utilisation of expressions of solidarity primarily through collective pronouns like “we” and “us”, which suggest solidarity and empowerment among Malaysians in dealing with COVID-19. Further analysis reveals the forms and contextual functions of the linguistic strategies as carrying pragmatic devices (e.g. speech acts and figurative language), which contributes to the power enactment in the Facebook postings in creating an overall positive reaction.
 
 Contributions: This critical discourse study does not only promote positive discourse for its own sake, but also serves as a pragmatic approach to materialise utilitarian goals. It is therefore hoped to contribute not only to linguistics, but also social, psychological as well as arts and humanities studies through further examinations of the pivotal roles that communication and language play, especially in rising against dire situations.
 
 Keywords: COVID-19, Critical Discourse Analysis, media discourse, Positive Discourse Analysis, power and solidarity.
 
 Cite as: Azizan, M., Ismail, H. H., & Qaiwer, S. N. (2020). Power and solidarity in positive Facebook postings amidst COVID-19 in Malaysia. Journal of Nusantara Studies, 5(2), 329-364. http://dx.doi.org/10.24200/jonus.vol5iss2pp329-364

Attitude Toward Protective Behavior Engagement During COVID-19 Pandemic in Malaysia: The Role of E-government and Social Media

“…Of note, the Malaysian government has taken serious action on misleading information related to COVID-19 posted on social media. A study by Azizan et al ( 42 ) demonstrated that Malaysians expressed their solidarity and empowerment to fight the crisis on Facebook during the outbreak. This implies the positive effects given by social media to Malaysians in handling the unprecedented event.…”

Positive Discourse Analysis of the Indonesian Government Spokesperson's Discursive Strategies during the Covid-19 Pandemic

“…The PDA study on the pandemic discourse shows that there is an effort to foster power and solidarity among citizens. The findings from Azizan et al (2020) show that through Facebook posts, citizens support each other by using the pronoun "we", collective expressions, or advice. The study emphasized the role of a strong sense of togetherness and solidarity, a strong national identity, values of patriotism and religion to unite and to fight the pandemic.…”

“…In addition, studies on the Covid-19 discourse emphasized the individual and institutional efforts to build spirit through communication during the Covid-19 pandemic (Azizan et al, 2020;Jinshuang & Rong, 2020). By studying Facebook posts about critical situations during the pandemic, Azizan et al (2020) reported four positive themes expressed by the Malaysians that include religion, patriotism, call for heroism and public awareness. The study also revealed that linguistic strategies such as speech acts and figurative language contribute to creating public's positive reactions.…”

Predictors of COVID-19 Preventive Behavior Adoption Intention in Malaysia

“…In Malaysia, social media is used by Malaysians during the COVID-19 pandemic as the platform to show their sense of togetherness through the proliferation of positive messages ( Azizan et al, 2020 ). Social media has become the place to brighten up each other’s spirit.…”