The irrationality of the context in the shared content, which is often immediately noticeable, yet often unprecedented viral character... these are just some of the features that characterize conspiracy theories, hoaxes, and fake news. What is so "appealing" about them that they manage to "stay on the scene" and get under the skin of a relatively wide range of recipients? The paper will deal with the issue of conspiracy theories, hoaxes and alternative truths. In particular, the focus is on their linguistic representation, which is often accompanied by visual elements, and thus, in this case, on the aspect in question. The aim of the analysis is to pinpoint the linguistic strategies of conspiracy theories, hoaxes and alternative truths as one of the effective means to reach the widest possible audience, using the example of specific content. The analysis focuses on a specific visual and content element, namely the "Rainforest Alliance logo", and its thematization in conspiracies in German and Slovak speaking countries (especially Austria-Slovakia). Thus, at the end of the analysis, it will also be possible to outline possible differences in the use of linguistic (and visual) resources in the linguistic communities of the languages mentioned.

Authors:
Simona Fraštíková, University of St. Cyril and Methodius in Trnava, Slovakia

About the Presenter(s)
Dr Simona Fraštíková is a at University of Ss. Cyril and Methodius in Trnava in Slovakia

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