Metaphorical representation of identity in the headlines of English-language media discourse

This study analyses the metaphorical representation of identity in the headlines of English-language media discourse, with particular emphasis on metaphorical models with the target domain IDENTITY. The relevance of the topic is driven by the growing interest in studying media as a powerful tool for shaping public consciousness and constructing socially significant concepts, such as identity. The aim of the research is to identify and systematize the metaphorical models used to represent identity in the headlines of English-language media. Cognitive analysis and linguistic interpretation of media texts are employed in this study. The research corpus includes 47 headlines from leading English-language publications (The Guardian and The Independent), selected based on their popularity and influence. The findings of the study show that identity is often metaphorically represented through images of a mask, journey, loss, building, and territory, reflecting the dynamic and multi-layered nature of this concept in media discourse. The main conclusions are that metaphors play a key role in shaping readers’ perception of identity and that media discourse actively uses these metaphorical models to manipulate public opinion. This study makes a contribution to media discourse linguistics and cognitive linguistics, deepening the understanding of the role of metaphor in contemporary media space.