The Conceptual Matrix of Media Linguistics in the XXI Century: A Case Study of <i>The PIE News</i>

Abstract

The present paper is dedicated to describing the conceptual framework of contemporary English-language media linguistics, using materials from the informational educational news website, The PIE News. The PIE News serves as a vital conduit for disseminating information about professional activities, playing an increasingly pivotal role in the global educational landscape. In the current geopolitical context, there is a heightened focus on enhancing educational systems and reshaping the priority positions of professions within disciplinary policies. Consequently, the integration of new technologies into the educational process becomes paramount for the successful development of competencies required to train specialists in popular fields. The aim of this research is to analyze the linguistic characteristics of English-language mass media texts concerning international professional educational activities. The scientific novelty of this study lies in its examination of the functional potential of linguistic markers within the texts. The authors have identified that educational discourse is manifest not only in the body of the publications but also in their headlines, affirming the axiological orientation of the contemporary professional landscape. The analysis of linguistic markers reveals that the metaconcept ‘Education’ encompasses concepts such as “updated educational programs,” “methods of financial support,” “expanding the global network of educational centers,” “collaborative initiatives,” and “enhanced competitiveness.” The linguistic features of these markers are characterized by various abbreviations, providing evidence of the universal principle of language economy in modern virtual mass media discourse. However, these abbreviations, while efficient, can occasionally complicate information comprehension. As a result of this study, the authors draw conclusions about an emerging trend in education characterized by the development of short-term educational projects, primarily in a distance format, combined with professional activities, thereby fostering greater workforce training mobility within the modern labor market.