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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 />

107

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