CONCEPTUAL METAPHORS IN WAR DISCOURSE: ANALYZING MEDIA COVERAGE OF THE ISRAEL-PALESTINE CONFLICT

Abstract

This study aims to investigate how the conceptual metaphors differ in their contribution to framing techniques across various Eastern and Western digital news articles related to Israel-Palestine conflict. This study utilized Lakoff and Johnson’s (1980) Conceptual Metaphor Theory (CMT) as well as Framing Theory with various types by Entman (1993) as theoretical frameworks. This is a mixed-method study, descriptive in nature. Seventy authentic web news articles related to Israel-Palestine conflict from both Western and Eastern media outlets were chosen through purposive sampling technique. The exploration and enlisting of conceptual metaphors and the categorization of framing techniques were qualitative in nature, hence done manually. For the comparison and contrast among Western and Eastern Media portrayals, which employed a quantitative approach, a chi-square test of independence was applied which established a statistically significant relation, resulting in the rejection of null hypothesis. Furthermore, post-hoc residual analysis with Bonferroni correction indicated that Western outlets incorporated significantly more simplification framing type, meanwhile Eastern sources relied significantly more on employing emotional/empathy framing type. The outcomes reveal the subtle yet significant impact of conceptual metaphor incorporation and framing strategies to influence the audience’s comprehension, elicit particular responses and shape their perceptions about such a sensitive and global conflict.