The Connotative Semantic Dimension in the Construction of Nablus Economic News on Al Jazeera Media

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the connotative meanings in Arabic-language news texts published by Al Jazeera regarding market conditions in Nablus, West Bank, amid the war situation. These news texts not only convey factual information about the community’s economic activities but also contain a number of words that carry additional meanings or specific emotional connotations. This study employs a qualitative approach using semantic analysis focused on the study of connotative meaning (الدلالة الإيحائية). The research data consists of words and phrases found in the news text that indicate meanings beyond their lexical definitions. Data collection was conducted through the observe-and-record method, while data analysis involved identifying the lexical meaning of each word and then interpreting its connotative meaning based on its contextual usage within the news text. The results indicate that certain words in the news were used metaphorically to describe economic pressures, market uncertainty, and the impact of the war on people’s lives. The use of these connotative meanings serves to reinforce the delivery of information while providing a deeper insight into the economic situation experienced by the people of Nablus.