Linguistic power plays: A pragma-linguistic analysis of headlines on Romania’s accession to the Schengen area after the lifting of Austria’s veto

A pragmatic-linguistic discourse analysis examines the linguistic features and the use of language in a specific discourse or communication context. This type of analysis focuses on the interaction between language and society in order to capture meanings, power structures, social norms, and cultural practices. The present study conducts a pragmatic-linguistic discourse analysis of headlines regarding Romania's accession to the Schengen Area after Austria lifted its veto in December 2023, focusing on the linguistic strategies that contribute to emotionalization and produce various framing effects. By applying a pragmatic-linguistic approach, the connotations, perspectives, and possible political implications of the headlines are analysed. This investigation aims to develop a more comprehensive understanding of how the media influence the discourse on European integration and national identity in relation to the Schengen Area accession.