Contrastive rhetoric analysis of entertainment headlines in Philippine & American newspapers

Authors

  • Leeroi Christian Q. Rubio De La Salle University; University of Santo Tomas, Philippines

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.53696/27753719.52301

Keywords:

intercultural rhetoric, presupposition, presupposition triggers, entertainment headlines, pragmatics

Abstract

This study presents a contrastive rhetoric analysis of entertainment headlines from major Philippine and American newspapers, focusing on the linguistic structures and cultural implications of verbal and nonverbal clauses. Using a qualitative-descriptive-analytic approach, the research examines headlines from the Manila Bulletin, Philippine Daily Inquirer, and The Philippine Star, alongside those from The New York Times, The New York Post, and The Washington Times. The analysis identifies key differences in how Filipino and American media use finite and nonfinite verbal clauses, as well as pre-modified, post-modified, and non-modified nonverbal clauses, to frame events and public figures. Additionally, the study explores presupposition triggers in the headlines, revealing how cultural values shape media discourse in both countries. Filipino headlines often emphasize social harmony, personal narratives, and community engagement, reflecting the collective nature of Filipino society. In contrast, American headlines focus on legal processes, individual accountability, and social justice, mirroring the country's emphasis on individualism and public discourse on issues of race and power dynamics. The findings highlight the significant role of media in reflecting and shaping cultural values, offering insights for scholars, educators, and media practitioners. The study concludes with recommendations for future research, language education, and news writing, emphasizing the need for cultural competence in media to ensure accurate and respectful representation of events and individuals across diverse cultural contexts.

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Author Biography

Leeroi Christian Q. Rubio, De La Salle University; University of Santo Tomas

Leeroi Christian Q. Rubio holds a Master of Arts in Education major in English and a Bachelor of Secondary Education major in English from Sacred Heart College of Lucena City, where he graduated with Academic Distinction and earned awards in research and teaching. He is currently pursuing his PhD in English Language Studies at the University of Santo Tomas.

He teaches at De La Salle University and the University of Santo Tomas, handling General Education and major courses in English Language Studies, including Language and Media, Translation Studies, Language and Law, and Stylistics. His teaching background also includes roles at St. Anne College, Southern Luzon State University, and National University Manila, where he served as TOEIC Coordinator and Head of the Language Learning Center.

Mr. Rubio's research centers on Forensic and Political Linguistics, with current work on deceptive texts in online political discourse. He has presented at national and international conferences, with topics spanning language attrition, courtroom discourse, political memes, and contrastive rhetoric. He has also contributed to English module development for the Department of Education during the COVID-19 pandemic.

He is a lifetime member of the Linguistic Society of the Philippines and an active member of several national and international language and literature organizations specifically: Philippine Association for Forensic and Legal Linguistics, Literature Educators Association of the Philippines, the National Association of Professional Teachers, and the AsiaTEFL Association, as well as a Student Member of the International Association for World Englishes.

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Published

25-08-2025

How to Cite

Rubio, L. C. Q. (2025). Contrastive rhetoric analysis of entertainment headlines in Philippine & American newspapers. Linguistics Initiative, 5(2), 421–435. https://doi.org/10.53696/27753719.52301