Word Use and Content Analysis of the First Verses of Six National Anthems: A Transcultural Aspect of Suicidal Behaviour.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Suicide is a major health concern worldwide, although suicide rates widely differ among different countries and cultures. Transcultural studies suggest that national anthems reflect national attitudes towards self-harming behaviour as well. Our aim was to analyse the linguistic characteristics of six national anthems, and compare these results with national suicide rates. METHODS: Word use assessment and content analysis of six national anthems were performed. RESULTS: In the anthems of countries with similar historical or cultural background, similar linguistic patterns were found in word use and in content. Anthems of countries with lower suicide rates tend to contain relatively more positive contents, emotions and intentions, while in the anthems of countries with higher suicide rates more ambivalence, denial, loss or even aggressive and self-destructive implications were found. CONCLUSION: This transcultural analysis strengthens previous data that anthems could be indicators for national attitudes toward self-harm.