Ideological semantics of GDR film titles: a linguo-culturological analysis

The research aims to identify the ideological semantics reflected in the titles of films from the GDR era, produced at the DEFA film studio from 1946 to 1991. Film titles, being part of the complex cultural phenomenon of cinema, are elements of cultural policy capable of transmitting ideological attitudes and values and serving as an instrument of ideological influence. The scientific novelty of the research lies in the comprehensive linguo-culturological analysis of filmonyms from the GDR era, which for the first time allows for a systematic description of the ideological semantics of film titles, tracing the dynamics of its development, and identifying specific linguistic markers that reflect the dominant attitudes at each stage. As a result, four key stages were identified in the evolution of the ideological semantics of GDR filmonyms: active affirmation of anti-fascism and socialism (1946-1953); glorification of the socialist way of life, criticism of capitalism (1954-1968); emphasis on the inner world and social issues (1969-1989); reflection of a sense of loss and re-evaluation (1990-1991). It was established that film titles served as an instrument for shaping ideology, the effectiveness of which was ensured by the skillful use of linguo-cultural markers (toponyms, historical figures, folklore, etc.), aimed at strengthening national identity and the authority of the ruling party.

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Publication Details

Journal
Philology Theory & Practice
Published
2025-09-01
DOI
https://doi.org/10.30853/phil20250512
Primary Topic
Eastern European Communism and Reforms
Type
article
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Ideological semantics of GDR film titles: a linguo-culturological analysis

Oxana Evgenyevna Lomova
Philology Theory & Practice
Eastern European Communism and Reforms
article

Ideological semantics of GDR film titles: a linguo-culturological analysis

Oxana Evgenyevna Lomova
article en

Abstract

The research aims to identify the ideological semantics reflected in the titles of films from the GDR era, produced at the DEFA film studio from 1946 to 1991. Film titles, being part of the complex cultural phenomenon of cinema, are elements of cultural policy capable of transmitting ideological attitudes and values and serving as an instrument of ideological influence. The scientific novelty of the research lies in the comprehensive linguo-culturological analysis of filmonyms from the GDR era, which for the first time allows for a systematic description of the ideological semantics of film titles, tracing the dynamics of its development, and identifying specific linguistic markers that reflect the dominant attitudes at each stage. As a result, four key stages were identified in the evolution of the ideological semantics of GDR filmonyms: active affirmation of anti-fascism and socialism (1946-1953); glorification of the socialist way of life, criticism of capitalism (1954-1968); emphasis on the inner world and social issues (1969-1989); reflection of a sense of loss and re-evaluation (1990-1991). It was established that film titles served as an instrument for shaping ideology, the effectiveness of which was ensured by the skillful use of linguo-cultural markers (toponyms, historical figures, folklore, etc.), aimed at strengthening national identity and the authority of the ruling party.

Philology Theory & PracticeVol. 18(9)
Southern Federal University (RU)
Openalex Percentile: Top 68%
Eastern European Communism and Reforms
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