THE TACTIC OF URGENCY ACTUALIZATION IN AMERICAN CRISIS MEDIA DISCOURSE

Abstract

This study explores the tactic of urgency actualization in American crisis media discourse, viewing it as a fundamental mechanism for constructing crisis narratives. The relevance of the research stems from the pivotal role of the media in shaping public perception of crisis events, as well as the necessity to identify linguistic means used to show potential threats and the escalation of conflict situations. The article aims to uncover the discursive mechanisms employed to create a sense of urgency in media texts. The research is carried out within the cognitive-discursive paradigm. To achieve its objectives, the study employs discourse analysis, conceptual, lexico-semantic, and pragmatic types of analysis. The empirical material comprises publications from various U.S. media with diverse ideological views (Associated Press, The Washington Post, New York Post), specifically focusing on the coverage of Winter Storm Fern in January 2026. The analysis of the empirical data allowed for the identification of key verbalizers of the urgency actualization tactic, namely: lexical dramatization, institutional legitimization, and coordination of efforts. Lexical dramatization is represented through the substitution of neutral verbs with expressive counterparts. Institutional legitimization involves appealing to the authority of state and international institutions, thereby enhancing the credibility of alarming forecasts. The coordination of efforts shapes the perception of the crisis as a large-scale event requiring an immediate response. Ultimately, the tactic of urgency actualization transforms the perception of a natural phenomenon into a socially significant crisis.