Adjectives as the reflection of the Russian-Ukrainian war perception

Abstract

The article is focused on the analysis of the specifics of the Russian-Ukrainian war perception by students through the information presented in the mass media discourse. The objective of the research is adjectives, as one of the most important means of expressing evaluative semantics, characterizing the students’ perception of the Russian-Ukrainian war. The study on students’ perceptions of the Russian-Ukrainian war through various mass media sources shows a change in their views over time. Initially, in February 2022, descriptive adjectives (38.94%), thick moral adjectives (30.5%), and value-associated adjectives (27.4%) were prevalent, suggesting the war was seen as unexpected, cruel, unfair, and violent. By June 2024, there was an increased use of descriptive adjectives (46.9%), a slight rise in value-associated adjectives (28.1%), and a notable drop in thick moral adjectives (17.7%). This shift indicates a perception of the conflict as prolonged, exhausting, and stalemated. The study also identifies the use of synonymous adjectives offering insights into the evolving understanding of the war and its media portrayal. The study also identifies the use of synonymous adjectives categorized as thin, thick, value-associated, and descriptive, offering insights into the evolving understanding of the war and its media portrayal. Overall, the findings show the dynamic nature of public perception of the Russian-Ukrainian war, shifting from initial shock and moral judgment to a focus on descriptive and value-associated aspects as the conflict continues. Future research should thoroughly analyze both media narratives and public discourse to preserve national memory.