Reisberg, Urmas2010-10-212010-10-212007http://hdl.handle.net/10062/15673For this thesis a combined method of content analysis and discourse analysis were developed. Both textual and visual representations of Soviet times were analysed. The research found out that Soviet discourse pervades everywhere in the newspapers and that it is not bound with certain topics, authors or genres. Soviet times can be represented as a homogenous whole but also as a heterogeneous with controversial aspects. This research shows which myths (and narratives) are used in newspapers to construct the concept of „Soviet times“. For example a mythological story of a Soviet soldier who occupied Estonia appears in different forms. This thesis also describes and explains Estonian self-identity as being passive folks who have always been ruled by other nations. Research shows how these myths are repeated. Sometimes this repetition is done by gainsaying the mainstream-myth with alternative myths. As an example, a myth „Bronze-Soldier is the symbol of occupation“ is used. In most, but not all cases Soviet times in newspapers are presented as something negative. It is important to note that negative attitude is a rule within the main political topics. In September 2006 these topics were elections of Estonian president and the so-called ‘Bronze-soldier issue’. These topics relate „Soviet times“ to different keywords. At the elections debate ,,Soviet times” was associated with „democracy“ and „totalitarianism“, at the Bronze-soldier topic it was associated with „occupation“. In both of these cases Soviet times and Soviet Union are used as opposites to „us“. Using presidential elections as an example, it is shown how the opposition to Soviet times is used by the advocates of the two candidates.application/pdfH Social Sciences (General)bakalaureusetöödThesis