A critical discourse analysis of online local news articles on COVID-19

Abstract

This study used Fairclough's Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) to examine online local news articles on COVID-19. Specifically, this study discussed the linguistic features used in news headlines with respect to omission of subjects and auxiliaries, nominalizations, passivization, formation of word order, use of short words, and widespread use of puns and wordplay. This investigation revealed new terminologies as well as the ideologies present in the news articles. The COVID-19 news articles were selected from a major local online news portal and put through a rigorous review process (CDA). The findings revealed that linguistic features such as the omission of subjects and auxiliary verbs, word order formation, the use of short words, and puns and wordplay contribute to more engaging and concise new headlines. While the lack of Nominalization and Passivization characteristics is intended to lead the subject to more direct and objective treatment. The terms "Community Lockdowns," "RT-PCR test," "LSIs," and "Quarantine" were commonly used to describe the COVID-19 pandemic. The news articles revealed that the government maintains the ideologies of both power and security. Power was maintained with the use of force and security through confidentiality. Overall, the authors used precise language to convey their personal perspectives on the subject. It is suggested that a more in-depth discussion of ideologies be conducted from a global perspective.