Linguistic peculiarities of fake publications about the COVID-19 pandemic (on the example of Russian and English-language new media)

Abstract

The aim of the study is to identify the linguistic features of fake publications about the COVID-19 pandemic on the example of Russian and English-language new media in order for a modern person to be able to recognize such types of news among the published information content. The scientific novelty of the study lies in the identification and study of similarities and differences in the use of the language of fake news about COVID-19 in Russian and English languages. The work included a linguistic assessment of the ability of authors of fake publications in Russian and English-language new media to operate a variety of stylistic techniques in order to expand the emotional range of published media materials, thereby contributing to a stronger emotional impact on the audience of readers (viewers, listeners). As a result of the study, it was found that Russian and English-language fake news about the pandemic have a number of linguistic patterns, knowing which one can predict the truth or falsity of news content of this type in the information space and, accordingly, prevent its dissemination. In particular, such principles include the use of imperative constructions, stylistic means of expression in news texts (e.g., metaphors); the presence of a trigger in informational headlines, as well as the generation of short text messages accompanying memes that can influence the affective actions of media audiences in their interaction with Russian and English-language media resources. Further prospects for the study of fake news texts about COVID-19 and epidemics in general are identified to explore the phenomenon of disinformation and post-truth and their impact on media reality.