Media representation of the 2023 Israel-Hamas War : a corpus-based critical discourse analysis between The Washington Post and Xinhua News

Abstract

The Israeli-Palestine conflict, which has persisted for several decades, is a complex geopolitical issue characterized by historical, political, and religious dimensions. On October 7th, 2023, a sudden attack from Hamas ushered in a new chapter in the ongoing strife between the two parties. This study employs Fairclough’s Three-dimensional Model and Halliday’s Systemic Functional Grammar (1994) to conduct a corpus-based critical discourse analysis of news reports on the 2023 Israel-Hamas War between The Washington Post and Xinhua News. Utilizing corpus tools and annotation software, the study examines the linguistic features and reporting strategies of these two outlets, uncovering the power dynamics and ideologies behind the texts. The analysis reveals that both newspapers share keywords related to participants, actions, and consequences, but differ in their emphasis: The Washington Post highlights the United States’ role, while Xinhua News focuses on the UN’s efforts. Collocation analysis shows distinct focuses on military details and diplomatic efforts, respectively. Modality analysis indicates both outlets predominantly use median value modal verbs to convey objectivity, yet high value modal verbs reflect their ideological differences regarding military and peaceful solutions. Transitivity analysis reveals that material processes dominate, shaping the portrayal of actors and intentions, with The Washington Post legitimizing Israel's actions and Xinhua News presenting a more neutral view. Furthermore, the analysis of intertextuality demonstrates distinct sourcing strategies between the two broadsheets. The Washington Post employs diverse sources to provide varied perspectives, whereas Xinhua News relies heavily on official statements, indicating a centralized stance. Their reporting modes also differ significantly, with The Washington Post preferring direct discourse and Xinhua News opting for indirect discourse, reflecting their respective approaches to authenticity and ideological influence. The study concludes that political and economic factors play a significant role in shaping these reporting strategies, providing valuable insights for the critical thinking of audiences.