Computer Analysis of New Language Norms Usage in Ukrainian Online Mass-Media

Abstract

Introduction. In 2019, a new version of spelling was approved in Ukraine. However, Ukrainian mass media experiences some problems with the new norms. Meanwhile, the correct usage of language in mass media is extremely important, because journalistic texts have a large audience and can be used by readers as a certain model. Thus, it’s important to discover specifics of new norms usage in online mass media to understand the level of the norms compliance. Relevance and purpose. The purpose of the article is to propose an algorithm for computer analysis of texts, which allows to investigate compliance with new spelling norms by leading Ukrainian online media, as well as to determine whether the situation in the media changes over time. This study is relevant, because a comprehensive study of the new language norms usage in online massmedia is lacking, scientists focused their attention on individual norms and the number of texts in sample wasn’t large. Methodology. Computer analysis: with Python programs more than 8 thousand news items were collected from the leading online media. Vocabularies with old and new language norms were designed. Comparative analysis: usage of foreign components, variable spelling changes, spelling of the international sites and Internet resources, spelling of certain words were compared in the mass media in 2019 and 2021. Results. It was determined that the authors of the publications did not adapt to the variable spelling changes. Regarding mandatory changes, problems were observed with the spelling of the names of international websites and Internet resources, as well as some words. The situation with the use of feminine forms was the most stable. Spelling of words with the first foreign component, as well as with part «half/piv-» was observed in two versions: old and new spelling. Conclusions. The situation with the new spelling in Ukrainian online media is improving over time, although the acceptance of the new norms is still very slow. Moreover, this situation is observed precisely in the segment of quality Ukrainian media, which adhere to professional standards and are an example for many journalists to follow. With this in mind, we recommend that the editors of the online mass-media take measures to improve the situation.