Same Event, Different Representation: A CDA of Post-Titles of Print Media Discourses

Abstract

It is observed that representation is most often far from reality. What is perceived as reality is a recapitulation of reality. Media discourses represent events and people following their own ideological stance. The present study attempts to critically decode the headlines of Pakistani and Western newspapers about the representation of by election results held on 17 July 2022. The data for the present research has been collected from the headlines of 16 English and Urdu newspapers. The bifurcation of the newspaper is that 06 Pakistani English newspapers, 08 Pakistani newspapers and 02 European English newspapers were included in the sample. Only the headlines related to the results of that particular by elections were used as data source. The present research implies Van Dijk’s (2006) research model for media discourse analysis. The prominent analytical categories of the mentioned include number game, actor description, metaphor, comparison, lexicalization, inclusion and exclusion. The study highlights that the concept of same event with different representation is a prominent feature of post-titles. They are coined very tactfully either to show solidarity with the group or to highlight the concept of distance from a particular group. The ideological use of language assigns positive or negative identity to the people who belong to in-group or out-group. The study finds that every media group is controlled by ideological group and hence publishes its discourses accordingly.