Cutting Reality: A Sociolinguistic Approach to TV Editing

Abstract

This study investigates the role of sociolinguistics in reality television editing. An overview of editing theory and editing practices common to reality television is presented. Various linguistic patterns are identified along with the gendered/racial/social implications of each. Then, the ways in which reality television editors may manipulate these linguistic patterns in order to construct identity and story--whether true or false--in reality television are examined. As there is little existing academic research on the subject, much of the information and insight in this study stems from primary research (e.g. the author's experience in reality television editing and personal interviews with working professionals in the reality television industry). Many scenes from the reality television show Top Grad, produced by students at Texas Christian University, are broken down and studied for their sociolinguistic content and editing techniques in order to illustrate the explored concepts. Finally, editors are cautioned to practice restraint, realizing that they hold the power to shape real people's post-show identities. The discussed sociolinguistic editing techniques must be used in moderation, as the ultimate goal in editing reality television is to find an appropriate compromise between truth and entertainment.