Linguistics Initiative
Vol. 6 No. 1 (2026)

A corpus-based analysis of emotional insecurity and modern masculinity in Anson Seabra’s album lyrics

Maharani, Kharien Puspa (Unknown)
Afifah, Wiwiek (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
23 Feb 2026

Abstract

Traditional norms of masculinity often prevent emotional openness, causing men to internalize vulnerability and suppress emotional expression. This study aims to examine how emotional adjectives in Anson Seabra's A Heart Is a Terrible Thing to Break album reflect emotional insecurity and representations of modern masculinity through language. Employing a qualitative descriptive approach supported by corpus-based analysis, this study identifies the most frequently used adjectives, which are broken, hurt, wrong, and good. Following this, the adjectives are analyzed for their use through semantic and sociolinguistic perspectives based on the context in the lyrics. The findings reveal that these adjectives frequently appear in lyrical contexts that portray self-doubt, emotional fragility, and fear of relationship failure. The results provide insight into the internal conflicts faced by male characters in articulating vulnerability. This research enhances both the fields of linguistics and gender studies by revealing how artistic language in music could challenge traditional concepts of manhood and function as a medium for emotional expression.

Copyrights © 2026






Journal Info

Abbrev

live

Publisher

Subject

Humanities Languange, Linguistic, Communication & Media

Description

Linguistics Initiative is an academic journal that presents issues in linguistics and applied linguistics from multi-disciplinary approaches. This journal publishes articles that discuss research on language as a system of communication or a cognitive, social, and historical phenomenon as well as ...