Language of sports news (based on the Finnish language)

The article examines Finnish-language sports news, conducts a linguistic analysis of the relevant texts, and analyzes the features of sports discourse and techniques of speech influence on the audience. The object of this study is sports messages presented on the Finnish website YLE, while the subject of the study is the linguistic and syntactic means used to describe tournaments and events in certain sports in order to emotionally influence the readers. The purpose of the study is to determine whether the sports texts of the Finnish YLE news channel are a tool of non-forceful influence on the socio-political life in modern Finland. The study used the descriptive method, the semantic field method, and contextual analysis, which made it possible to identify the features of the study object, reveal common and distinctive features in interrelated components, and characterize the factors that caused their appearance. The research hypothesis was that sports-themed texts implement the function of speech influence on the audience. Speech manipulation is realized through the use of figurative expressions, phraseological units through which even a sporting failure can be presented as a step to victory. Hidden linguistic impact is based on the infusion of new meanings and connotations into the lexeme, which change the associative range of the word. Such methods of presenting information are used to inspire national pride and strengthen the prestige of the Finnish nation. They create powerful emotional background, enhance feelings for “our” athletes, and actualize the image of “us”, forming an obvious identification with the national community. Sports news is characterized by elements of intrigue and drama, which usually develop in a positive direction. Thus, sport acts as an instrument of political influence on society at the domestic and international levels.