14.3. The editorial

The function of the editorial is to influence the reader by giving an interpretation of certain facts. Editorials comment on the political and other events of the day. Their purpose is to give the editor's opinion and interpretation of the news published and suggest to the reader that it is the correct one. Editorials appeal not only to the reader's mind but to his feelings as well.

In addition to vocabulary typical of brief news items, writers of editorials make an extensive use of emotionally coloured vocabulary. Alongside political words and expressions, terms, cliches and abbreviations one can find colloquial words and expressions, slang, and professionalisms. The language of editorial articles is characterized by a combination of different strata of vocabulary, which enhances the emotional effect. The role of expressive language means and stylistic devices in the editorial should not be over-estimated. They stand out against the neutral background. Traditions reigns supreme in the language of the newspaper. Original forms of expression and fresh genuine stylistic means are rare in newspaper articles, editorials included.

The editorials in different papers vary in degree of emotional colouring and stylistic originality of expression. While these qualities are typical enough of the "popular" newspapers, the so-called "quality paper” make rather a sparing use of the expressive and stylistic means of the language. Whatever stylistic “gems” one may encounter in the newspaper, they cannot obscure the essentially traditional mode of expression characteristic of newspaper English.