Proximization Theory and Threat Construction in Selected E-Storybooks for Children on COVID-19

Document Type : Original Article

Author

Department of Foreign Languages, Faculty of Education, Tanta University, Egypt

Abstract

In the time of COVID-19 pandemic, discourse of crisis addressed to children should be structured in a manner that informs the child about the new threat without scaring him. Consequently, the child becomes ready to observe the preemptive measures, and the new lifestyle becomes legitimized. This research investigates nine e-storybooks addressing children on COVID-19. The study aims to illustrate the manner in which the discourse of threat is structured in children’s e-books. Framework of analysis is Proximization Theory and the relevant (S)patial-(T)emporal-(A)xiological model of proximization, which explain threat construction in discourse. Analysis shows that the selected storybooks depend more on spatial proximization through the embodiment of the threat and depicting it as being nearby. The metaphor CHILDREN ARE HEROES/FIGHTERS is detected in the stories, a thing which convinces the child that staying at home during the current pandemic is an act helping to fight and stop the outbreak of COVID-19. The study is original in its examination of threat construction in children’s e-books during coronavirus. It is suggested that more attention to children’s books should be paid.

Keywords

Cairo Studies in English
Volume 2021, Issue 2
December 2021
Pages 49-71

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