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A Critical Discourse Analysis Through Comparisons Between Editorials of The Global Times, Huánqiú Shíbào on the 2018 United States-China Trade War
Cross-Cultural Studies
2018,
52(), pp.165-194
DOI : 10.21049/ccs.2018.52..165
Publisher : Center for Cross Culture Studies
Research Area : Literature
DOI : 10.21049/ccs.2018.52..165
Publisher : Center for Cross Culture Studies
Research Area : Literature
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Employing Fairclough’s critical discourse analysis (CDA), the purpose of this study was to analyze linguistically significant features, intertextuality, and sociocultural practice focusing on selected editorials of The Global Times, Huánqiú Shíbào on the 2018 United States-China Trade War. The editorial titled “With the strong will of ‘the War to Resist America and Aid Chosun,’ let us go through the trade war against America” focused on the use of ‘war’ related vocabulary in the frame of ‘war.’ First, “Trade War” and “War to Resist America and Aid Chosun” are examples that reveal metaphors and a war frame. Second, “Strategy” is used positively for China but negatively towards America. Third, various war related words are used. Fourth, cases of allusion illustrate war. Intertextuality in terms of discourse practice pertains to two findings. First, The Global Times, Huánqiú Shíbào repeatedly uses the phrase ‘equivalent revenge.’ That is because the expression enables China to justify their counterattack and such war that China may wage can be interpreted as just counterattack much like a self-defense mechanism. Second, the expression, ‘the counterattack is not intended but it is not fearful’ is repeated in several editorials of the newspaper. The reasons are the following: 1) it is used to appeal to the public, 2) by invoking the feeling of fear, the public should be understand why they should unite, and 3) the expression, “it is not fearful” is used to preserve China’s global image and “the counterattack is not intended” is used to signal China’s will to America. The whole expression is a good example of intertextuality that repetitively illustrates the intended meaning of China in nine editorials in the newspaper within three months, March 23-June 17, 2018. Finally, sociocultural practice is manipulated through the editorial for disseminating the Chinese government’s hegemonic ideology. First, it is clear that the core national project, “China Manufacturing 2025” cannot be abandoned. Second, by calling for “War to Resist America and Aid Chosun” the editorial is manipulated to condemn and intimidate America, avoid dissent of the people, appeal to the people, and empower the government. Third, China somehow wants to open up the possibility of negotiation with the United Sates.
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