The Usage of Imagery in The 2022 Qatar World Cup Advertising Campaign from a Social Semiotics Perspective

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Department of Linguistics, PNU University, Tehran, Iran

2 Department of Linguistics, North Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran

Abstract

A B S T R A C T
The Qatar World Cup has been a seminal event for Qatar, a small country in the Persian Gulf. During the tournament, numerous tourists from across the globe visited the country to attend the event. Throughout the World Cup, a multitude of advertisements were disseminated in various forms within Qatar. These advertisements shared a common theme, featuring images that, consciously or unconsciously, resonated with the viewers and the audience. In the present study, researchers have employed the theoretical framework of Kress and van Leeuwen (2006) in the domain of social semiotics to analyze a selection of promotional images associated with the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. The analysis was conducted using qualitative methods and content analysis. The objective was to ascertain the conceptual elements that the images are attempting to convey to the audience. The statistical population of the study was selected from among the numerous promotional images obtained from the 2022 World Cup in Qatar using a purposeful sampling method. The findings indicated that the images not only represent Qatar's endeavors to preserve and promote its cultural and national identity but also showcase the country's economic prowess and infrastructural capabilities. Furthermore, the utilization of cultural symbols such as "Laab" enables Qatar to disseminate compelling and favorable messages regarding its cultural interactions and capabilities on a global scale, thereby enhancing its positive image among international audiences.

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