Annotations

The Representation of the Sámi in the Preßburger Zeitung – a Discourse-Linguistic Analysis

The aim of this doctoral dissertation is to examine the representation of the Sámi (referred to in historical sources as “Lappländer” or “Lappen”) in the Preßburger Zeitung during the period 1764–1929. Methodologically, the study is grounded in discourse linguistics (Spitzmüller and Warnke) and discourse semantics (Busse), complemented by the interpretation of basic discourse-semantic figures (Scharloth).The dissertation focuses primarily on the analysis of discourse-semantic oppositions that shaped the image of the Sámi in the German-language press, which devoted considerable attention to this ethnic group during the period, as well as on identifying the broader discourses in which texts about the Sámi participated. The empirical material will primarily include feuilletons, travel sketches, and popular-science articles from the Preßburger Zeitung, supplemented by selected texts from other contemporary periodicals serving as comparative material. The analysis aims to identify oppositions such as uneducated vs. educated, wild vs. cultivated, and exotic vs. familiar. The study will contribute to understanding the mechanisms of stereotype construction and the media representation of ethnic groups in Central European periodical press from the late 18th to the early 20th century. Proficiency in German at the C1 level is required.