Understanding Print Media, Journalistic Genres, and Dramatic Evolution

Print Media and Journalistic Genres

The content of print media is varied, including daily general information, sports, economics, gossip magazines, political issues, and specialized publications on topics like decoration.

Different types of texts that appear in newspapers and magazines are called journalistic genres. These genres represent different ways journalists treat information. These can be divided into three groups:

1. Articles that objectively report information. Examples include news reports.
2. Articles where the journalist comments on or evaluates events. Examples include commentaries and interviews.
3. Texts in which the author expresses their opinion on current events or exposes their ideas. Examples include articles, forums, editorials, and criticism.

News Articles

A news article tells the story of a recent event of interest to the public. This type of text answers the questions: who, what, when, where, why, and how. News articles typically have three parts:

• Title: A sentence that condenses the news.
• Introduction: A brief summary of the contents, usually highlighted in bold.
• Body: The development of the news, starting with the most important data.

News articles can be signed by the author, indicated by the word Writing, or by an information agency (e.g., AFP, Reuters).

Parasíntesis

Parasíntesis involves forming words through composition and derivation. There are two types:

• Composite parasintéticas: lex + lex + suffix
• Derived parasintéticas: lex + prefix + suffix

Neologisms

A neologism is a newly created word that has entered a language. Resources for creating neologisms include:

• Cultism (taken from Latin/Greek)
• Composition (lex + lex)
• Derivation (lex + morpheme)
• New word (prefix & suffix)
• Loans (adaptation)
• Tracing paper (translation)
• Lexicalization (abbreviations & acronyms)
• Onomatopoeia (imitation)
• Metaphor (similarity)

Drama

1) Medieval Drama

Medieval drama has religious origins and was often performed in churches. An example is the Order of the Magi from the 12th century. Over time, it evolved into a more entertaining spectacle. In the Late Middle Ages (14th & 15th centuries), themes of love and death emerged, foreshadowing the Renaissance in the 16th century.

La Celestina (15th century) by Fernando de Rojas reflects Renaissance models, emphasizing value and pleasure in life, contrasting with the theocentric (God-centered) vision of the time.

2) Baroque Theater

In the 17th century, Félix Lope de Vega created a new form of theater with three key principles:

• Space: The dramatic action must be developed in one place.
• Time: The history represented should occur within 24 hours.
• Action: The play must tell a single historical event.

Baroque theater was written in verse with agile language. Common topics included love and honor. Typical characters included the king, noble, knight, gallant, lady, funny character, and villain.

3) Romantic Drama

In the 19th century, romantic drama emphasized creative freedom of behavior. Notable works include Don Alvaro, or the Force of Fate by the Duke of Rivas and Don Juan Tenorio by José Zorrilla. Common themes included the expression of feelings, nature, and legendary historical subjects.