Euphemization within Migration Discourse in German Journalism

This study analyzes euphemized terms and expressions related to the migration crisis as presented in articles from the German online publications “Taz” and “Süddeutsche Zeitung” in 2024. This period was selected due to the heightened attention of the German press towards events associated with the migration crisis in both Germany and the United States. The relevance of this research is underscored by the emergence of new politically correct euphemisms and expressions stemming from ongoing migration issues. Utilizing criteria such as the designation of negative denotates and the amelioration of denotates, a new euphemized vocabulary was identified. A total of 15 euphemized nominations were extracted through a comprehensive sampling method. The authors provide detailed commentary on each example, focusing on the techniques employed to achieve euphemization. A classification of migration discourse euphemisms is proposed, organized into thematic groups: migrants, refugees, deportation, and deported individuals. The authors conclude that German article writers employ euphemization strategies such as compounding and paraphrasing. It is noted that the issue of migration in articles by German authors concerning Germany is more susceptible to euphemization compared to texts discussing the United States.

German language, migration crisis, political correctness, euphemisms, methods of euphemism formation