The pragmatics of irony and sarcasm in French media texts

This article explores the complex nature of irony and sarcasm, examining their roles as indirect means of expressing doubt and critical evaluation in journalistic discourse. Drawing on an interdisciplinary approach, it considers irony and sarcasm not only as stylistic devices but also as linguo-sociocultural phenomena that reflect human perception and communicative intent. Through the analysis of French-language journalistic texts, the study highlights the subtle use of ironic signals and the absence of direct evaluation as tools for shaping reader interpretation. Ultimately, the article demonstrates that these rhetorical strategies foster a modality of doubt, encouraging the reader to independently assess and critically engage with the content.