“A Perfect Transexual Woman”: The Relationship between Linguistic Strategies and Identities of Anne Jakkaphong Jakrajutatip

Abstract

The objective of this article is to analyze the relationship between language and identity. Furthermore, the strategies and results of identity adopted by Jakkaphong Jakrajutatip were analyzed. Data were collected from the Facebook page of Anne Jakrajutatip from 1 March to 30 April 2021. The results revealed that there are three aspects of identity presentation including a transexual woman as a loving mother, a superior wife, and a businessperson with vision. It was related to the use of seven linguistic strategies, including lexical selection, rhetorical questions, intertextuality, narratives, presupposition, reference, and metaphors. Remarkably, she presented her new identity by defining her gender identity in accordance with her true self, the method she used to make her gender identity outstanding, and communication channels. Accordingly, the newly created identity played a role in representing her true self, using media space, and enhancing her values and dignity. However, this identity is highly flexible and varies according to contexts which encouraged the heightened image of being a “perfect transexual woman”.