Abstract

Research on the portrayal of minority groups by the print-media has traditionally centred on one of two approaches, namely quantitative content analysis or close qualitative textual analysis. This study is based on the second approach. It employs the methodology of Critical Linguistic Analysis, which constitutes a specific area within the broad area of close qualitative textual analysis. The purpose of this exploratory study is to determine the way in which the German magazine, ‘stern’, portrays immigrants. It critically examines six articles on immigrants, each of which is considered to reflect in a distinct manner on immigrants in Germany. The articles were published between 1968 and 1993 and therefore span various socio-political phases which may affect portrayal. During the course of the analysis of the various articles, Critical Linguistic Analysis is supplemented with other analytical techniques, which allows all aspects of the ‘stern ’ articles to be analysed. For this reason the study cannot be described as a pure critical linguistic analysis. This study reveals ‘stern”s stance on immigrants in Germany. It illustrates how this stance is reflected through linguistic features and visual elements within the articles and also how ‘stern’’s ’ standpoint on immigrant issues is both affected by and can affect societal perceptions of immigrants.