Unveiling Discursive Strategies and Ideologies: A Critical Analysis of Migration Discourse in Turkish Newspapers

Abstract

The portrayal of migrants in the media is frequently shaped by a variety of discursive strategies aimed at influencing public perception. This study examines the discursive strategies employed by two prominent Turkish newspapers, Daily Sabah and Duvar, and the underlying ideologies that drive the selection and utilization of such strategies. The theoretical framework guiding this study draws upon Reisigl’s (2017) model, providing a structured approach to data analysis. The findings reveal that Daily Sabah strategically employs a spectrum of discursive strategies, including nomination, perspectivization, argumentation, intensification, predication, and mitigation. Conversely, Duvar predominantly utilizes prediction, mitigation, intensification, and argumentation in their portrayal of migrants. The analysis highlights instances where both newspapers employ multiple discursive strategies within the same news discourse, underscoring the nuanced nature of media construction of discourses on migration. Crucially, the study discerns that the discursive strategies employed by the two newspapers serve distinct purposes and are underpinned by different ideologies. This nuanced exploration sheds light on the intricate relationship between media representation, discursive strategies, and ideological frameworks in shaping public perceptions of migration.