Words - the source of magic : A linguistic study on Albus Dumbledore and Severus Snape in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone

Sammanfattning

Abstract The aim of this essay is to investigate how language is used in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (2001), written by J.K. Rowling, through a linguistic study investigating the construction and characterization of the characters Albus Dumbledore and Severus Snape. The research aims to compare the characters’ linguistic profiles by analyzing both their direct speech and the narrative language used to describe them, which also includes observations and comments from other characters. The study also analyzes the use of speech acts, value words, tone, and attitude, with the results discussed with the help of Brown and Levinson’s Politeness Theory (1987). The findings indicate a clear difference in the language used to represent the two characters. Dumbledore’s speech and representation align with strategies of positive politeness and respect, whereas Snape’s representation is made through his frequent use of face-threatening acts (FTAs) and negative value words in both his own speech and the narrator’s description. The study discusses how the consistent difference in language portrays Dumbledore as a kind and highly respected authority figure, while portraying Snape as a character who is hostile and strongly disliked. The results demonstrate the power of linguistic choices in character development, reflecting and shaping the readers’ perception of the characters. The didactic application demonstrates how language analysis of character construction through the examination of politeness strategies, evaluative language, and stance supports the development of critical literacy by raising students’ awareness of how linguistic choices shape meaning, authority, and moral positioning.