In a groundbreaking study that spans two decades of media representation, researchers have delved into how individuals with disabilities are portrayed in Saudi Arabian newspapers, revealing the subtle yet significant impact of linguistic choices on societal perceptions. By meticulously analyzing naming conventions through the combined frameworks of Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) and Critical Disability Studies (CDS), this research unpacks the intricate interplay between language, culture, and power structures within Saudi society. The findings underscore the pivotal role of syntax and discourse in not only reflecting but also constructing and shaping disability narratives in the media landscape.
Central to the study is the examination of person-first versus identity-first language, a linguistic dichotomy that encapsulates broader ideological positions about disability. Person-first language, which foregrounds the individual before their disability, prevails overwhelmingly in Saudi newspapers, aligning with institutional and societal preferences that emphasize respect and personhood. This preference offers a window into the Saudi state’s approach to disability—prioritizing dignity and individual identity over defining individuals primarily by their impairments. Such linguistic patterns are far from neutral; they function ideologically, normalizing ableist assumptions while attempting to position disabled persons as active social actors within the community.
Methodologically, the study capitalizes on a robust corpus of 10,603 tokens, with a significant majority collocating with the term “disabled” and a substantial subset associated with phrases involving “with disability.” The dominance of social actor categorizations in the data suggests that Saudi media discourse predominantly frames disabled individuals in terms of their roles and participatory functions in society. Notably, the emphasis on “association/coordination,” demonstrated by references to services, opportunities, and training afforded to people with disabilities, points toward a discourse deeply invested in social inclusion and equity. This is a marked departure from narratives that fixate on the type or severity of disability, highlighting a uniquely affirmative media portrayal uncommon in many Global South contexts.
An intriguing dimension of the research is its contextualization of disability representation within the Saudi religious and cultural milieu. The religious model of disability, particularly grounded in Islamic narratives, exerts a strong influence, intertwining notions of spirituality, morality, and inspiration. This framework casts disabled individuals as morally virtuous or inspirational figures, which simultaneously elevates and occasionally constrains their societal portrayal. Such religious narratives, when amalgamated with medical and social models, contribute to a complex, culturally grounded understanding of disability that fosters broad societal support while imposing certain discursive limits on representation.
The intersection of religion and socio-economic factors further differentiates the Saudi context. Financial stability and governmental policies underpin substantial support structures for the disability community, paralleling elements seen in more economically developed nations. However, contrasts emerge in the lived realities and media depictions of disabled women, who face heightened vulnerabilities due to sociocultural barriers. Despite the apparent inclusivity promoted in public discourse, gaps remain regarding the visibility and representation of women with disabilities, hinting at persistent gender inequities within the societal framework.
Syntactic structures play a critical role in the media’s framing of disability, as this research demonstrates through a syntax-discourse analytical lens. By scrutinizing phrase constructions and referential strategies, the study reveals how linguistic patterns either humanize individuals or objectify disability as an identity marker. The prominence of person-first constructions signals an editorial choice that aligns with respectful representation, whereas identity-first language occurs less frequently, reflecting nuanced cultural attitudes and policy implications within the Saudi state apparatus.
Beyond linguistic forms, the study highlights how discourse functions as a mechanism of social governance. Media narratives do not merely mirror public attitudes but actively participate in constructing and politicizing the experience of disability. The strategic deployment of motivational and coordination discourses not only promotes affirmative representations but also signals policy priorities, emphasizing support, training, and opportunities rather than limitations or deficits. In this way, discourse shapes societal expectations and institutional responses toward disabled populations.
Despite these encouraging portrayals, the analysis does not shy away from addressing the persistent challenges faced by individuals with disabilities in Saudi Arabia. Terms denoting suffering, illness, hardship, and poverty appear within the corpus, reflecting ongoing realities that complicate the narrative of empowerment and support. This duality underscores the multifaceted nature of disability discourse, where linguistic and discursive elements intersect with social conditions, creating a layered portrait of both progress and unmet needs.
The study’s findings resonate with global research trends, affirming that naming practices are significant indicators of societal attitudes toward disability. The Saudi media’s preference for person-first language echoes international guidelines favoring respectful discourse, aligning the kingdom with broader movements advocating for the dignity and inclusion of disabled persons. Institutional backing, as evidenced by legal acts and official policies, reinforces this linguistic and ideological stance, positioning Saudi Arabia at an interesting juncture between cultural tradition and progressive representation.
By leveraging a corpus-based approach supported by advanced analytical tools, the research offers a replicable model for examining disability discourse across regions and languages. The integration of syntax and discourse analysis provides nuanced insights into how media text structures impact representation, setting the stage for further interdisciplinary research. This methodological rigor ensures that findings are grounded in empirical evidence, enhancing their relevance for scholars, policymakers, and advocates.
Importantly, the research invites broader conversations about the socio-political construction of disability in the Global South. It identifies fertile ground for future exploration into how religious, cultural, and economic variables intersect to inform disability narratives in diverse contexts. Moreover, it highlights the emergent role of social media platforms as arenas for discourse, suggesting that evolving communication technologies will increasingly shape public conversations around disability.
This study also serves as a call to action for more inclusive and comprehensive research on disability, particularly concerning marginalized groups such as women with disabilities. Addressing sociocultural barriers and enhancing visibility are crucial steps toward achieving equity. Through critical language studies, scholars can continue to unearth the subtle ways in which media and discourse influence public opinion, policy, and the lived experiences of disabled individuals.
In conclusion, the investigation into how Saudi newspapers represent people with disabilities reveals a deeply layered discourse marked by respect, support, and ongoing challenges. The predominant use of person-first language and the emphasis on social roles and services reflect a commitment to inclusive narratives, albeit within the contours of religious and cultural frameworks unique to Saudi Arabia. By situating disability discourse within syntax and broader socio-political contexts, this research contributes valuable perspectives to disability studies and media analysis, underscoring the transformative power of language in shaping societal understanding.
The study’s significance extends beyond regional boundaries, offering lessons for global disability advocacy and media practices. It demonstrates that careful linguistic choices are not mere stylistic preferences but active agents in either reinforcing stereotypes or promoting social justice. As discourse continues to evolve alongside societal change, ongoing research is vital to ensure that media representations empower all individuals and foster a truly inclusive world.
Subject of Research: Representation of people with disabilities in Saudi Arabian newspapers through a syntax-discourse analytical lens.
Article Title: Disability and discourse: how people with disability are represented in Saudi Newspapers
Article References:
Hussen, F.S.A., Shormani, M.Q. & Alfahad, A. Disability and discourse: how people with disability are represented in Saudi Newspapers. Humanit Soc Sci Commun 12, 1676 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1057/s41599-025-05933-2
Image Credits: AI Generated
