Linguocultural Features of the Representation of the Great Victory Anniversary by the Sputnik Agency (Russia Today)

Abstract

The research examined linguocultural features of media coverage of the Great Victory anniversary the Sputnik agency (Russia Today). The purpose of the study was to determine, from the standpoint of linguistic cultural studies, the key images that formed the media. The object of the research is the materials of three editions of the Sputnik agency (Sputnik Polska, Sputnik International, Sputnik Türkiye), the geography of distribution and the composition of the audience of which reflect differentiated linguocultures. A set of methods is used: content analysis; contextual analysis, comparative analysis, case study. The empirical base was made up of publications dedicated to the 75th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War, posted on the websites of the editorial offices of Sputnik Polska, Sputnik International, Sputnik Türkiye. Sample type: solid. Chronological scope of the study: April 15 — May 15, 2020. Based on the results of the study, we concluded that the nature of representation is directly related to linguocultural characteristics and is due to historical, political and sociocultural preconditions. At the same time, all editions are united by the commonality of the constructed images: Victory Day (attitudes towards victory over fascism in the international arena); nations (both winners and losers); preservation of historical memory. The presence or absence of certain stable linguistic units depends on the cultural and ethnic specifics of the audience. The greatest efficiency from the standpoint of the implementation of international broadcasting activities (transmission of cultural codes and meanings) is achieved in a situation of a common / close mentality, interaction of ethnic groups and territorial proximity.