EXPLORING HATE SPEECH ON ONLINE PLATFORMS: A LINGUISTIC ANALYSIS OF GERMAN AND ALBANIAN LANGUAGES

Abstract

This paper explores the pressing issue of "hate speech," a phenomenon that has garnered significant attention across various disciplines in recent years. In linguistics, the focus is particularly on (inter)cultural communication and the linguistic mechanisms through which hate speech manifests. The rise of digitalization and online platforms has amplified the reach and impact of hate speech, transforming it from a rare occurrence in spoken language to a widespread issue in public discourse, especially on social media. This has raised concerns about its effects on generations and their language use. The study examines the linguistic forms and differences in the expression of hate speech, analyzing it as an emotional response through selected online news in German and Albanian, as well as social media posts. The analysis is grounded in theories from cognitive linguistics and linguistic stylistics, aiming to uncover the expressive and stylistic potential of specific phrases within the context of verbal communication where hate speech is prevalent. By intertwining methods and theories from these fields, the research delves into the pragmatic function of hate speech as a genre, highlighting its dominant and evident presence in certain communicative contexts. The findings contribute to ongoing discussions in the humanities about the intersections of language, emotion, and the communication. By analyzing linguistic devices and mechanisms that foreground hate speech, the study seeks to deepen our understanding of negative emotions among people. It also emphasizes the importance of fostering a culture of empathy, respect, and inclusivity, where proper language and communication can mitigate the harmful effects of hate speech and promote the social-emotional well-being of everyone