“How Hungary Talks About East and West”

What is it about?

In Hungary, the words “East” and “West” are often used in public debate to mean more than directions on a map. They stand for different political and cultural values. For example, the West is usually linked with ideas such as progress and democracy, while the East can suggest backwardness or oppression. This study looked at how two major Hungarian news sites—one pro-government and one independent—used these terms in 2022. It found that while traditional contrasts remain strong, government-supporting media also try to reshape the image of the East through its “Eastern Opening” policy. The research shows how simple words can carry deep political meaning, and how language reflects changing ideas about Hungary’s place between East and West.

Featured Image

Photo by Aron Visuals on Unsplash

Photo by Aron Visuals on Unsplash

Why is it important?

This study shows how everyday words like East and West can carry several different meanings, depending on context. That makes it an important case for research on metonymy—a way of using one idea to stand in for another. At the same time, it helps explain how language choices shape political debate and how Hungarians think about their country’s role between East and West.

Perspectives