David Darmanin

Thesis

Thesis

Klabb

Supervisors : Lorianne Hall, Andrew Vickers

Set in postwar London, Klabb is a crime-drama screenplay that follows a young Maltese migrant drawn into Soho’s vice scene. Based on real events, the series sheds light on colonial legacy, survival and social hierarchies in an underrepresented chapter of British criminal history.

Biography

Biography

As a teacher of English as a Second Language (ESL), content editor and media localisation specialist, I bring a diverse background to my academic approach in creative writing. My previous experience in journalism and politics influences my research-oriented approach, while a strong interest in creative writing and sociolinguistics encourages my pursuit of academic specialisation. 

I have recently completed a BA (Hons) degree at the Open University (OU), finishing with a 1:1 award in English Language and Creative Writing. 
 
On a personal front, my lived experience in the UK as a migrant from Malta, a former colony, informs my interpretations of creative meaning through a lens that is mindful of inherent historical and cultural power dynamics. 

Research

Research Interests

Screenwriting; Creative writing; Sociolinguistics; Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA); Multilingualism; Postcolonial studies; Decolonisation; Migration and diaspora; Minoritised identities; Intersectionality; Language and power; Pedagogic language; Cultural narratives; Streaming media and international content

External activity

External activity

I have recently completed an OU internship comprising a research project that tackles decolonisation in pedagogic language. Specifically, this experience provided me with the opportunity to practice new skills that enable comprehensive and rigorous methodologies, thus helping me balance potentially subjective interpretations that arise from my positionality. For instance, the project’s central research question: ‘Can students from minoritised backgrounds be or feel harmed by language used in SSGS Methods Hub materials for undergraduates?’ guides a qualitative investigation that combines non-participatory research with participatory feedback from students.

The methodological framework incorporates thematic analysis and Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA), complemented by insights gathered through online forums and focus groups. This multi-method approach not only sheds light on potential implicit harms conveyed through language but also compares these findings with the student body through an element of participation.