Karpik M. Lexical Divergence and Convergence in the Language of Austrian Press: Ethnocultural Aspect

Carried out within the framework of pluricentrism theory, the research explores ethnocultural aspects of lexical divergence in Austrian German of the 21st century based on the Austrian media discourse. Its scientific novelty lies in the comprehensive – synchroniс and diachroniс – study of the Austriacisms used in modern Austrian press from the standpoint of their role in the Austrian linguistic image of the world, typology, and functions. The ratio between Austriacisms and their standard German counterparts was analyzed. Therefore, the research has revealed a tendency towards lexical convergence and divergence in the modern German media language of Austria. However, the ethnically and culturally biased vocabulary is not subject to convergence. It is the linguistic and cultural bias of the vocabulary that ensures the stability of its use in the texts of modern Austrian media. Key words: pluricentric languages, Austrian German, Austriacisms, divergence, convergence, ethnocultural aspect, media discourse, press of Austria, linguistic image of the world.