Page 10 - English in Media Discourse

PART TWO
LANGUAGE AND POWER IN MEDIA

A. The relationship between language, power, and media

The relationship between language, power, and media is
multifaceted and plays a crucial role in shaping societal
dynamics. Language is a powerful tool used by various entities,
including the media, to maintain authority, influence public
opinion, and shape narratives. Here are some key aspects of this
relationship:
1. Influence and Persuasion: Language is used by powerful
entities such as the media, advertising agencies, politicians,
and religious institutions to persuade and influence others.
This form of power is often found in politics, marketing,
and the media, where language is employed to sway public
opinion and garner support 9.
2. Revealing and Reflecting Power: Language reveals and
reflects preexisting power dynamics, thereby transferring
extralinguistic power to the communication context. It is
important to delineate the language-power relationships
that underscore the profound significance of words and
narratives in human societies 10.
3. Construction and Maintenance of Power: Powerful
institutions and individuals use language to both construct
and maintain power over others. Linguistic dominance
occurs when a dominant social group imposes its language
as the standard, often transferring its culture along with the
language 11.
4. Shaping Narratives and Ideologies: Language in media
communication plays a pivotal role in shaping narratives,
ideologies, and societal norms. It can uplift, oppress, unify,
or marginalize, highlighting the nuanced web of influence,
control, and resistance within the interplay between
language and power dynamics 12.