Linguistic manipulation as a method of influencing public opinion in the time of COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

The subject of this research is the effective methods of linguistic manipulation and communication, which allowed controlling the situation to prevent public panic and destabilization of situation in the Sakha Republic (Yakutia) during the pandemic. The authors explore such phenomena as persuasion and linguistic manipulation, analyze the existing in Russian and foreign practice scientific and practical approaches towards using linguistic manipulation in sociopolitical discourse. Based on the example of speeches of the Head of the Sakha Republic (Yakutia) A. S. Nikolayev, the authors analyze the linguistic means and techniques used in the course of development of epidemiological situation for influencing public opinion in the Sakha Republic (Yakutia); determine the reasons and frequency of application of such techniques, the degree of persuasion of public opinion by the head of Yakutia depending on the used communication channels. The research employs the website content of the Government of the Sakha Republic (Yakutia), regional news sites, and addressed messages in social networks. The main results lies in the conclusion that the most effective methods of linguistic manipulation are persuasion, convincing and prompting, which affect emotions and feelings of the people and appeal to the key social agenda – safety of the population in the time of pandemic. It is noted that social networks are the effective communication channels, which is justified by the geographical and sociopolitical peculiarities of the region, such as large territory preservation of the elements of traditional political cultures (power of the authority, leader, direct communication with the government and a sense being protected). Linguistic manipulation allows influencing public opinion, avoiding mass disturbances, instilling the sense of security into population.