Svešvārdi, eifēmismi un neskaidra izteiksme – laikmeta zīmes žurnālistu valodā

Abstract

The aim of the paper is neither to engage in a purist fight against loan words in Latvian, nor to oppose a correct and appropriate usage of foreign words, as borrowing is an inevitable process. The main concern is incorrect, inappropriate and often tautological usage of foreign words, indicating insufficient knowledge of lexicology, deficiencies in the language culture or journalists’ poor professional attitude. The paper analyses various examples of journalists’ language from TV shows from the first half of 2019, focusing on the usage of foreign words. At first, it might seem that they are euphemisms; however, the assessment of their meaning and function makes it clear that it is not so. The barrage of foreign words sometimes hides the lack of clarity of thought, and the use of barbarisms is an evidence of poor professionalism. Moreover, it also hints at unwillingness to understand the situation, caused by lack of experience, knowledge or time, or deliberate use of muddled rhetoric.