AMBIVALENCE OF THE CONCEPT OF PATRIOT IN BRITISH AND AMERICAN LINGUACULTURAL TRADITION

This article examines the ambivalence of the concept of patriot, shaped by historical, political, and cultural contexts in British and American linguacultural traditions, with a focus on its semantic, pragmatic, and ideological dimensions in modern media discourse.It has been found that the term "patriot" can be employed to express both admiration and condemnation, depending on the communicative context and the speaker's intentions.It has been proven that in American media, the concept of patriot often evokes positive associations with national pride, revolutionary heritage, and civic duty.However, it can also carry contentious overtones, particularly when linked to political polarisation or nationalist extremism.The article reveals that in British media, patriot also fluctuates between respect for national identity and scepticism about excessive nationalism, especially in multicultural settings.By analysing examples from contemporary American and British media, the article demonstrates how the word "patriot" is strategically used to construct national identity, legitimise political actions, or discredit opposing views.It has been determined that in American discourse, patriotism is often associated with civic values or loyalty to specific political ideologies; in British discourse, it embodies a broader historical and cultural interpretation, sometimes combined with post-imperial narratives or national scepticism.The study examines the semantic shifts and context-dependent re-evaluation of patriot across both cultures by analysing its connotations in the media.The paper highlights how the term "patriot" functions as a linguistic marker of both unity and division, reflecting broader socio-cultural tensions and evolving national self-perceptions.The research also discusses how the ambivalence of patriot can evoke emotional responses and influence public opinion, thus functioning as a tool of manipulation and polarisation.