In this paper the headline of English-speaking newspapers and magazines has been studied as an independent and effective persuasive element of a text. In this paper I want to discuss, how susceptible are we to linguistic style? How profoundly can the impact of a message be enhanced by the manner in which it is written, assuming that one and the same thought can be expressed with different stylistic tools?
The choice of words reflects not only differences in evaluations (positive or negative) or in emotions - it is also able to thrust reader’s attitude to the core of a message and to direct and control one’s perception and comprehension. The paper claims that language can be a very powerful and persuasive tool which draws the readers’ attention, being operated by skilful editors in a newspaper or magazine headline. In this regard, the purpose of the paper is to address and answer the research question: “How persuasion is realized linguistically across the English-speaking newspaper and magazine headlines?”
The study of headline as a powerful and persuasive linguistic tool can be applicable to multiple spheres of public life and to various media of information (e.g.: political campaigns, slogans, advertising, publication of new directives issued by the European Commission, etc.). It is interesting to observe, what kind of stylistic devices and persuasive techniques news editors apply in headlines during the election campaigns in France (in 2007), in order to create public opinion or to provoke a certain reaction from the readers.
Periodicals are cultural artefacts which are created and which function within a certain cultural context. That is, they operate within the value system of that culture. Schäffner noted that “any political action is prepared, accompanied, controlled and influenced by language” . According to M. Foucault , who first introduced aspect of power in construction of meaning, things have no meaning in themselves, they gain meaning which varies from context to context. All cultural practices depend on meaning and are constructed within discourse. Consequently, language is not simply a medium carrying meaning, but a medium constructing meaning. This paper argues that a headline in newspapers and magazines holds a persuasive potential and is able to direct construction of a certain context for interpreting and affecting reader’s emotions. It gives grounds for claiming that same facts can be interpreted differently in different contexts.
Table of Contents
- I. Introduction
- II. Persuasion in mass media discourse
Objectives and Key Themes
This paper aims to investigate how persuasion is linguistically realized in English-language newspaper and magazine headlines. It examines headlines from periodicals covering the 2007 French presidential election campaign to analyze the persuasive techniques employed. The study explores the susceptibility of readers to linguistic style and the impact of stylistic choices on message reception.
- Persuasion in mass media discourse
- Linguistic techniques in headline writing
- The role of headlines in shaping public opinion
- Analysis of rhetorical figures in headlines
- The persuasive potential of headlines and their ability to direct context interpretation.
Chapter Summaries
I. Introduction: This introductory chapter establishes the research question: "How is persuasion linguistically realized across English-speaking newspaper and magazine headlines?" The author argues that language is a powerful persuasive tool, particularly in headlines, which can shape reader perception and understanding. The study focuses on headlines from "The Economist," "The Guardian," and "The Observer" during the 2007 French presidential election, examining rhetorical figures used for persuasion. A corpus of 14 headlines will be analyzed. The choice of this topic is motivated by the significance of persuasion and manipulation in mass media discourse, connecting with cognitive linguistics, psycholinguistics, and neuro-linguistic programming (NLP). The applicability of this research extends to various areas of public life, including political campaigns and advertising.
II. Persuasion in mass media discourse: This chapter explores the role of mass media in democratic societies and its influence on public opinion and government policy. It highlights the importance of investigating what journalists consider newsworthy and how they convey information using linguistic means. The chapter discusses the persuasive power of concise, emotionally charged messages, often replacing rational argumentation with emotional impact. The author points to the preference for novel and creative headlines, noting examples of hyperbole and dramatization in headlines related to the French presidential election. The chapter emphasizes the importance of understanding the "attention-getting" and "persuasive" aspects of media texts in order to analyze their effectiveness.
Keywords
Persuasion, mass media, headlines, linguistic style, rhetoric, public opinion, political campaigns, 2007 French presidential election, pragmalinguistics, cognitive linguistics, psycholinguistics, media discourse, newspapers, magazines.
Frequently Asked Questions: Analysis of Persuasion in English-Language Newspaper and Magazine Headlines (2007 French Presidential Election)
What is the main research question of this paper?
The central research question is: "How is persuasion linguistically realized across English-speaking newspaper and magazine headlines?" The study investigates how persuasive techniques are employed in headlines, focusing on their impact on reader perception and understanding.
What is the scope of the analysis?
The analysis focuses on headlines from The Economist, The Guardian, and The Observer during the 2007 French presidential election campaign. A corpus of 14 headlines is examined to analyze the employed persuasive techniques.
What are the key themes explored in this paper?
Key themes include persuasion in mass media discourse, linguistic techniques in headline writing, the role of headlines in shaping public opinion, analysis of rhetorical figures in headlines, and the persuasive potential of headlines in directing context interpretation. The study also touches upon the susceptibility of readers to linguistic style and the impact of stylistic choices on message reception.
What linguistic aspects are analyzed in the headlines?
The analysis explores the use of rhetorical figures and other linguistic techniques employed to achieve persuasive effects. The concise and emotionally charged nature of headlines, often prioritizing emotional impact over rational argumentation, is a key focus.
What is the theoretical framework of this study?
The study draws upon several theoretical frameworks, including cognitive linguistics, psycholinguistics, and neuro-linguistic programming (NLP), to understand the cognitive processes involved in persuasion through language.
What is the significance of this research?
The research is significant because it highlights the persuasive power of mass media, specifically headlines, and its influence on public opinion and understanding of events. The findings are applicable to various areas of public life, including political campaigns and advertising.
What are the chapter summaries?
Chapter I (Introduction): Introduces the research question and methodology, justifying the study's focus on headlines and their persuasive power. It outlines the chosen corpus and theoretical underpinnings. Chapter II (Persuasion in Mass Media Discourse): Explores the role of mass media in shaping public opinion and government policy, emphasizing the persuasive power of concise, emotionally charged messages often found in headlines. It discusses the importance of understanding the "attention-getting" and "persuasive" aspects of media texts.
What are the keywords associated with this research?
Keywords include: Persuasion, mass media, headlines, linguistic style, rhetoric, public opinion, political campaigns, 2007 French presidential election, pragmalinguistics, cognitive linguistics, psycholinguistics, media discourse, newspapers, magazines.
- Quote paper
- M.A. Arts Nadia Ptashchenko (Author), 2008, Headline as a persuasive tool in publicistic discourse, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/133215
