The main focus of this study is the examination of language used in mass media manifestations addressing current socio-economic questions troubling the modern world of the 21st century. The analysis will refer to typical linguistic expressions found in media statements capturing the essence of recent problems emerging amid the crises and sourced from various platforms (social media, internet websites, online forums etc.). The primary areas of inquiry include: the question of health and vaccination, the topic of the war in Ukraine and the debate between mainstream and alternative media. As it is, the use of specific language in media sphere is not incidental, but rather purposeful - designed to influence the consumer. The identified expressions effectively manipulate the audience's perception – we will highlight their pragmatic and persuasive functions within media communication. Additionally, we will identify distinctive flag word and stigmatizing expressions which play an important role particularly in political discourse. The aim of this contibution is to identify typical argumentative patterns based on a comprehensive text analysis and subsequently define the characteristic discourses. Overall, the study will focus on current socio-economic questions posed withing the European context while extending to the global framework. We will outline the essential strategies and methods used to influence media consumers during times of crisis by identifying emotional language in contemporary media. In conclusion, we would like to emphasize the critical importance of recognizing and exposing such lexicon and typical argumentative patterns as a means of preventing manipulative and persuasive strategies.

Authors:
Zdenka Kumorová, University of St. Cyril and Methodius in Trnava, Slovakia

About the Presenter(s)
Dr Zdenka Kumorová is a University Postdoctoral Fellow or Instructor at University of St. Cyril and Methodius in Trnava in Slovakia

Additional website of interest
https://ksjl.ff.ucm.sk/sk/personalne-obsadenie/

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