The Impact of using negative words in the context of Northern Ireland Protocol – Post Brexit Saga

Abstract

The word „Brexit” became as dominant in British Business Language as the word “sorry or commentary on weather”. But for those who aren’t yet fully Brexituasted, there exist some interesting parallels between “Brexit” as a word and “Brexit” as the political phenomenon. Another word “Grexit” which proceeded “Brexit” was used for the first time by City group economists in February 2019. It referred to the possibility of Greece leaving eurozone. Many linguists (not only) are interested in solving the mystery of language change. The aim of the work is: 1. to determine the socio-linguistic factors that influence the appearance of negative words provided by a) negative markers and b) by hidden/presupposed hints; 2. to demonstrate that the positive meaning of a word may be influenced by lots of negative words as to finally change the former into a negative one: 3. to exemplify the power of negative illusions, suggestions, indices that exercise pressure on the positive words without using a single negative marker create confusing with the interpreter during translation. Examples: 1. If I had liked it so much I would have bought it; (+) (Expressing positive meaning); 2. I wouldn’t have been so angry if you had apologized in time (-) (Expressing negative meaning).