Linguistic Analysis of English-Language Mass Media

Abstract

This article conducts an in-depth linguistic analysis of English-language mass media through three case studies sourced from The Washington Post, BBC, and The Guardian, with a specific focus on the Boeing 737 Max plane crashes. The study explores the nuanced use of specialized vocabulary, rhetorical strategies, and stylistic devices within news texts to investigate their combined impact on reader perception. Special attention is devoted to analyzing headline structures, article organization, the use of metaphors, symbolic language, and emotionally charged vocabulary employed to construct persuasive and informative narratives. By scrutinizing these linguistic elements and stylistic choices, this research illuminates their significant role in shaping public opinion and influencing understanding of events. It underscores the pivotal function of language in contemporary media discourse, particularly in how news narratives are crafted to inform, persuade, and shape societal perspectives on critical issues such as aviation safety and corporate accountability. By examining these dynamics, the article provides insights into the intricate relationship between language use, media portrayal, and societal impact, emphasizing the transformative potential of linguistic analysis in understanding contemporary media landscapes.