ECHOES OF EMOTION: A STYLISTIC ANALYSIS OF TAYLOR SWIFT'S REPUTATION ALBUM AND ITS RECEPTION AMONG “SWIFTIES”

Brandon Nacua  Obenza; Rolando B.  Teringtering Jr.

doi:10.46545/aijelr.v7i1.342

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Published: 2024-12-31

DOI: https://doi.org/10.46545/aijelr.v7i1.342

Keywords:

Reputation Album, Thematic Analysis, Musical Discourse Analysis, Stylistic Devices, Taylor Swift, Qualitative Research

Brandon Nacua Obenza

Professor, College of Arts and Sciences Education, University of Mindanao, Davao City, Philippines

https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6893-1782

Rolando B. Teringtering Jr.

Instructor, Hinatuan Southern College, Hinatuan, Philippines

https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4412-3590

Abstract

Taylor Swift’s Reputation album was released during a period of intense media scrutiny and public controversy, significantly shaping its lyrical themes and reception. The album presents a transformation in Swift’s artistic persona, showcasing themes of defiance, empowerment, and self-reclamation amidst external criticism. Given the intersection of music, discourse, and fan engagement, analyzing the stylistic and thematic elements of Reputation provides insight into how linguistic and narrative strategies reinforce artistic identity and audience connection. This study investigates the stylistic devices and thematic elements present in the album, as well as their reception among "Swifties." Using Norman Fairclough’s Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) framework and I. R. Galperin’s taxonomy of stylistic devices, all 15 songs from the album were examined. Additionally, Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) were conducted to explore how fans interpret and relate to Swift’s lyrics. The analysis identified metaphor as the most prevalent stylistic device (51.11%), followed by simile, apostrophe, antithesis, and others such as personification and hyperbole. Thematic analysis revealed recurring motifs of public scrutiny, reputation, loyalty, betrayal, emotional resonance, and privacy. Results highlight how Swift strategically employs stylistic devices to construct a compelling narrative, resonating deeply with listeners' personal experiences. Through FGDs, fans articulated the album’s emotional impact and its role in shaping their perceptions of identity and resilience. The findings position Reputation as a bridge between personal storytelling and broader cultural discourse, contributing to a deeper understanding of the interplay between music, language, and audience engagement.

JEL Classification Codes: Z13, A20.

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Issue

Vol. 7 No. 1 (2024)

Section

Original Articles/Review Articles/Case Reports/Short Communications

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Author Biographies

Brandon Nacua Obenza , Professor, College of Arts and Sciences Education, University of Mindanao, Davao City, Philippines

Dr. Brandon N. Obenza is a licensed professional teacher and a multidisciplinary researcher based in Davao City, Philippines. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Education and a Master's degree in Language Teaching – English from the University of Southern Mindanao. He earned his Doctor of Philosophy in Education, specializing in Applied Linguistics, from the University of the Immaculate Conception. Dr. Obenza currently serves as a faculty member of the College of Arts and Sciences Education and Professional Schools at the University of Mindanao. He is actively involved in various professional organizations, including the National Research Council of the Philippines, and serves on the editorial boards of several international journals. His research interests span applied linguistics, psychology, artificial intelligence, social sciences, finance, and educational technology.

Rolando B. Teringtering Jr., Instructor, Hinatuan Southern College, Hinatuan, Philippines

Rolando B. Teringtering, Jr., MAEd is a licensed professional teacher and multidisciplinary researcher based in Tandag City, Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur, Philippines. He holds Bachelor's degrees in both Elementary and Secondary Education and a Master's degree in Education, majoring in English, from the University of the Immaculate Conception Graduate School. He is currently pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy in Education with a specialization in Applied Linguistics. Mr. Teringtering serves as a faculty member at the College of Teacher Education, Hinatuan Southern College. His research interests focus on education and applied linguistics.

How to Cite

Obenza , B. N. ., & Teringtering Jr., R. B. . (2024). ECHOES OF EMOTION: A STYLISTIC ANALYSIS OF TAYLOR SWIFT’S REPUTATION ALBUM AND ITS RECEPTION AMONG “SWIFTIES”. American International Journal of Education and Linguistics Research , 7(1), 12-25. https://doi.org/10.46545/aijelr.v7i1.342

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