A Study Of Synonyms Used In English And Vietnamese Political News

Abstract

This study examines the use of synonyms in English and Vietnamese political news to uncover linguistic strategies, cultural influences, and their role in shaping political narratives and public perception. By categorizing synonyms into absolute, semantic, stylistic, territorial, euphemistic, and phraseological groups, the research highlights how media outlets and political figures utilize lexical choices to frame political discourse, influence public opinion, and adjust ideological positioning. Through comparative analysis, the study identifies key similarities and differences in synonym usage across both languages, particularly in formal versus casual expressions, regional linguistic variations, and rhetorical strategies. Findings suggest that synonym selection is not merely a linguistic preference but a deliberate tool in political communication, impacting audience perception, media framing, and translation accuracy. The implications of this research extend to journalism, media literacy, and cross-cultural political communication, contributing to a deeper understanding of how language shapes political engagement and governance narratives.