A Corpus-Based Study of Identity Construction of God and Goddess Discourse

Identity construction and recognition have long been important areas of academic research. This study compares the lexical collocations and contextual usage of the terms god and goddess, which represent gender identity discourse, using the Sketch Engine retrieval tool within the enTenTen21 corpus. It analyzes similarities and differences between these terms in terms of self and society, drawing on both mythology and reality from the perspective of identity recognition. Additionally, it examines variations in gender identity discourse construction and gender discourse consciousness, thereby uncovering the cultural significance and practical impact of shifts in goddess discourse. The analysis reveals that gender discourse within the corpus highlights distinct identity constructions of gods and goddesses in mythology and reality, showcasing differences in image, temperament, power, and prestige. Furthermore, these discourse identities reflect and project broader trends in the construction and recognition of male and female identities in contemporary society.

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