The Role of Local Food in Maldives Tourism - Scholarly Commons ...
The Role of Local Food in Maldives Tourism - Scholarly Commons ...
The Role of Local Food in Maldives Tourism - Scholarly Commons ...
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Hence, the k<strong>in</strong>d <strong>of</strong> analysis needed for this research seemed only possible through<br />
discourse analysis, because it was important for this research to identify the context and<br />
understand the background embedded <strong>in</strong> the texts and images related to food <strong>in</strong> order to<br />
differentiate local food from other types <strong>of</strong> food.<br />
A deeper understand<strong>in</strong>g <strong>of</strong> the background and situation is required to analyse food<br />
events described as “traditional Maldivian buffet”, “beach barbecue” and “picnic<br />
lunches”. At first glance, these events appear to portray local or traditional food<br />
experiences. However, when subjected to discourse analysis, it is clear that “beach<br />
barbecues” and “picnic lunches” do not <strong>in</strong>volve any local food. For example, the image<br />
<strong>in</strong> Figure 5.16 depicts a picnic by the beachside. <strong>The</strong> bunch <strong>of</strong> coconuts, the traditional<br />
boat and the coconut palm on which the food is displayed on designate local culture and<br />
tradition. <strong>The</strong> white sandy beach and clear sea portrays the environment <strong>of</strong> <strong>Maldives</strong>.<br />
However, the food is largely imported. Apart from tuna that is used <strong>in</strong> some <strong>of</strong> the sushi<br />
and sashimi <strong>in</strong> this picture, the only other local food is a plate <strong>of</strong> short eats. <strong>The</strong>refore,<br />
the key message portrayed <strong>in</strong> this picture is not about local food.<br />
Figure 5. 16 Picnic lunch<br />
Source: <strong>Maldives</strong> Visitors’ Guide 2007<br />
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