Words under siege: The power of language in war reporting
Thursday, November 2nd, 2023 | Articoli
Covering a war requires great care in the choice of words and expressions. Language can be a minefield with many pitfalls that jeopardize journalists’ impartiality. A poorly chosen word in a media context can result in swift denunciations by listeners, viewers, and readers.
What is the difference between war and armed conflict? When is it appropriate to speak of invasion and when of military operation? What words to avoid when reporting on war? Is it okay to use the word terrorist or is it too politicized? How does the Associated Press Stylebook, a journalism “bible” that is consulted when covering a particularly insidious war such as the current one in Israel, work?
I answer all these questions, and more, on the radio program “Palavras Cruzadas” on Portuguese public radio station RTP.
Click here to listen to episodes hosted by Dalila Carvalho.