What the study found
U.S. newspaper coverage of immigration used speech acts in ways that helped construct different narratives, and the patterns varied by outlet orientation. Liberal publications tended to portray immigrants positively and encourage inclusive discussion, while conservative publications more often emphasized fear and urgency.
Why the authors say this matters
The authors conclude that media discourse can shape how people perceive immigration. The study suggests that speech acts are not only descriptive language, but also a means of ideological persuasion and public opinion formation.
What the researchers tested
The researchers analyzed 20 articles from five major U.S. newspapers: The New York Times, Washington Post, USA Today, New York Post, and New York Daily News. They used a mixed-methods approach, combining line-by-line coding with sentiment analysis, and categorized illocutionary acts into constatives, directives, commissives, and acknowledgments.
What worked and what didn't
Constatives were used to establish ideological viewpoints through selective presentation of information. Directives were used to motivate or influence readers, while commissives and acknowledgments were associated with emotional connection or ideological stance. The abstract reports that liberal outlets were more positive toward immigrants and conservative outlets more often supported stricter immigration measures.
What to keep in mind
The summary provided does not describe detailed limitations beyond the small corpus of 20 articles from five newspapers. The findings are limited to the newspapers and articles analyzed in this study.
Key points
- The study examined immigration coverage in 20 articles from five major U.S. newspapers.
- It used line-by-line coding and sentiment analysis to classify speech acts.
- Constatives, directives, commissives, and acknowledgments were the main categories analyzed.
- Liberal outlets were described as more positive toward immigrants and more inclusive in tone.
- Conservative outlets were described as more likely to generate fear and urgency and support stricter measures.
Disclosure
- Research title:
- Newspapers use speech acts to frame immigration differently
- Authors:
- Abbas Hussein Tarish
- Institutions:
- Mustansiriyah University
- Publication date:
- 2026-01-28
- OpenAlex record:
- View
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