LINGUISTIC MEANS OF CREATING THE COMIC IN THE MEDIA SPACE IN THE REALITIES OF THE RUSSIAN-UKRAINIAN FULL-SCALE WAR

Abstract

In the article we analyze linguistic means of creating humor in the contemporary Ukrainian media space. It is established that the comedic culture of Ukrainians encompasses ancient traits, consolidating the imagination, values, and experiences of ancestors. The reasons for the surge of comedy in the media sphere during the full-scale Russian-Ukrainian war are identified, understood as a unique defensive response to the horrors of war, enabling both healing from trauma and engaging in fierce battles on the information front. The role of humor in the media space during the Russian-Ukrainian war period is unveiled. It was determined that humor in the media realm helps Ukrainians not only in finding strength amidst an unjust and ignominious war but also in waging informational resistance against the enemy, exposing falsehoods and fabricated narratives propagated by Russians on the territory of Ukraine as well as in the international media arena and diplomatic platforms. The concept of “humor” is refined, acquiring attributes of a distinctive weapon that empowers Ukrainians to unmask the true essence of the deceitful and cunning adversary, discredit intentions, anticipate and neutralize threats posed by occupiers. A linguistic analysis is conducted on statements by topstate officials, their aides, regional leaders, diplomats, and official ministry releases that incorporate comedic elements and are prominently featured in the mediaspace during the period of the full-scale Russian-Ukrainian war. The primary linguistic tools used in the Ukrainian media landscape to imbue discourse with humor are identified, including neologisms (rashism, chmobiki, bairaktaris), terminological lexicon (orbita, cold storage, tablets, smartphones, denuclearization), antonyms (a small ruler of a large country), onyms (Bavovnyatko), metaphors (administering poison to Ukraine’s side), euphemisms (not very sober statement), epithets (combat birds, battle grain), oxymorons (reverse advance), and more.