THEMATIC CLUSTER “SCIENCE, INNOVATION AND SPACE EXPLORATION” IN MODERN ENGLISH LANGUAGE MEDIA DISCOURSE: PRAGMATICS AND SEMANTICS OF FUNCTIONING

Abstract

The main purpose of this research is to give a pragmatic and semantic assessment of the thematic cluster “Science, Innovation and Space Exploration”, functioning in the modern English-language media discourse. As a result of the empirical data analysis, the researchers identifies six key pragmatic functions: the function of power and influence; protection function; sustainable development function; the function of a human and AI cooperation; predictive and aesthetic functions). All of them form the basis of the above-mentioned thematic cluster dedicated to various scientific discoveries, continuously evolving digital technologies, as well as ambitious projects for the exploration of the universe. Moreover, the experimental data obtained and their evaluation built on the pragmatic and semantic approach indicates the existence of many complementary linguistic and non-linguistic means of creating the necessary, “correct” atmosphere for presenting an information message devoted to scientific, technological and space issues covered in modern English-language media discourse. The effect of sudden sensations, discoveries and forecasts which attract the attention of the media audience inspires the latter to be more interested in the secrets of scientific research that opens the veil of the future of mankind.