Abstract:
This study aims to analyze the use and style of the language used in the Criminal Codes enacted in 1908 and in 1956, and to investigate the relationship between the language used in the Codes and the social and political environments. Data have been collected from the Criminal Codes enacted in 1908 and in 1956. The amendments in the Codes are not included. It is found that the two Criminal Codes exhibit differences with respect to the discourse structure, sentence structure and the use of words, phrases and expressions. In the 1956 Code, the drafting of law is apparently more systematic than in the 1908 Code. In both Codes, the contents are primarily in the form of unconditional orders and regulations. Syntactically speaking, the passive construction, nominalization and the subject-drop construction are found to be more frequent in the 1956 Code than the 1908 Code. In addition, there is more connectivity within sentences than connectivity between sentences in both Codes. However, complex sentences with embedded clauses are found to be more frequent in the 1905 Code than the 1956 Code. This study illustrates that the social environments of the periods in which both Codes were drafted are reflected in the use of language. In the 1908 Code, the absolute monarchical power and the stratified social class system are reflected, while in the 1956 Code, the status of the King under Constitution and the social equality are reflected. This study supports the main thesis proposed in the theory of Critical Discourse Analysis as follows: language, among a number of its functions, reflects the social conditions of its era; language reflects social practices while, at the same time, society also dictates the way the society uses language.