Representation of Mozambicans in the work domain in the colonial period (1970-1975) in the Portuguese newspaper O Século de Joanesburgo: A multimodal approach

Abstract

This article attempts to report how Mozambicans were discursively constructed in the work domain by the Portuguese newspaper O Século de Joanesburgo during the colonial period, most particularly between 1970 and 1975. The overall findings show that the indigenous Mozambicans were assigned menial jobs thus portrayed as providers of unskilled labour. By assigning these jobs to indigenous Mozambicans, the newspaper reinforces the point that indigenous Mozambicans lack knowledge, competence or skills to deal with jobs that required intellectual capabilities. The discourse implies that the Portuguese (morally superior) decided what kind of jobs were reserved for blacks and under what conditions they should be carried out. Ideologically, this shows white moral and intellectual superiority over blacks.

Keywords: representation, colonialism, Mozambicans, newspaper