CRISISLANGUAGE IN TRANSLATION: ENGLISH POLITICAL STATEMENT IN CONFLICTS

Daria D. Kharytonova,

Email: d.kharytonova@knute.edu.ua

ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4806-3572

PhD in Philology

State University of Trade and Economics

DOI: https://doi.org/10.17721/StudLing2026.28.146-155

PDF  (UKRAINIAN)

ABSTRACT

This article explores the phenomenon of crisis language as a distinct type of political discourse that emerges in contexts of war, threat, or emergency. Crisis discourse is characterized by heightened emotionality, symbolic imagery, manipulative strategies, and the dichotomy of “us versus them.” Its primary functions include mobilizing societies, legitimizing political actions, and influencing international audiences. The study shows crisis discourse is represented by linguistic, pragmatic, and cultural features of texts, focusing on political statements, official communications, media reports, humanitarian instructions, and economic appeals.

Special attention is given to English-language speech by the current President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy. It demonstrates different styles of crisis language – from harsh calls to fight to softer appeals combining gratitude and moral pressure to global critiques of weakened institutions. The text performs mobilizing, legitimizing, communicative, and informational functions, while its translation poses significant challenges: preserving emotional intensity, maintaining rhythm and repetition, adapting cultural symbols, and balancing accuracy with neutrality.

The article concludes that translators in crisis contexts face dual responsibilities: conveying the message’s precise meaning while ensuring its accessibility and resonance across cultures. Crisis language thus emerges as a multi-layered phenomenon that integrates lexical, syntactic, pragmatic, and cultural dimensions. Translating such texts requires not only linguistic competence but also deep awareness of political and cultural contexts. Ultimately, translators become active participants in international communication, shaping how crisis events are perceived globally.

Key words: crisis language, crisis texts, crisis communication, political discourse, political statement, translation, intercultural adaptation, symbolic rhetoric, emotionality, manipulativeness.

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