THE LANGUAGE OF EDITORIAL GENRE; A MACRO-STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS

As part of a preponderance of media identities and roles, this paper examines a methodological framework for the probing of editorial genre(s). This is specifically defined in terms of the purpose of the text type. The methodological framework follows the steps of ‘text-driven’ procedure for genre analysis. It combines the complex speech acts representing the general line of argumentation, delimitation of the public spheres through the definition of the directives’ addressees, positive and negative attitudinal values and probes into types of professional roles in which editorialists present themselves. Following this perspective, this paper explores how editorialists re-enact media roles through their use of language. The study further examines the macro structural properties of editorial language, focusing on rhetorical strategies, argumentative patterns, and evaluative language use. Through a critical discourse analysis of editorials which reveals the complex ways in which language is used to shape public opinion, construct reality, and negotiate power relations in order to appreciate its role in influencing public discourse. Keywords: Editorial; Genre; media; role; speech act; macro-structures; rhetorical features.