THE RUSSIAN-UKRAINIAN CONFLICT REFLECTED IN THE HEADLINES OF ROMANIAN AND ENGLISH-LANGUAGE MEDIA. A COMPARATIVE STUDY

Valerica SPORIȘ; Isabela-Anda DRAGOMIR

doi:10.24193/subbphilo.2026.2.13

Authors

Valerica SPORIȘ “Lucian Blaga” University of Sibiu. Email: valerica.sporis@ulbsibiu.ro https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7549-8427
Isabela-Anda DRAGOMIR “Nicolae Bălcescu” Land Forces Academy of Sibiu. Email: izadragomir@yahoo.com https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1520-2185

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.24193/subbphilo.2026.2.13

Keywords:

headline, Romanian and English-language media, Russian-Ukrainian conflict, stylistic analysis, comparative analysis

Abstract

The Russian-Ukrainian Conflict Reflected in the Headlines of Romanian and English-Language Media. A Comparative Study. This study explores the stylistic dimension of 250 news headlines in Romanian and English-language media covering the Russian-Ukrainian conflict. The aim is to identify and examine the linguistic mechanisms that spark audience engagement and to illustrate the similarities and differences between the way headlines are constructed in the two languages, reflecting how stylistic choices shape meaning, influence perception, and captivate the public’s interest. For the comparative analysis, both digital tools and manual annotations were used. The results of the comparative analysis has identified differences particulary in terms of syntax (sentence structure) and verb categories (use of certain verb tenses), thus acknowledging the role of the expressive devices at grammatical and discursive level in the composition of news headlines. Finally, the research aims to raise awareness on the power of language and communication in shaping public opinion.

Article history: Received 07 May 2026; Revised 09 June 2026; Accepted 15 June 2026;
Available online 30 June 2026; Available print 30 June 2026.

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