L’articolazione discorsiva del “Razzismo Moderno”: l’uso del “diniego” e delle “giustificazioni”

ABSTRACT. Following the theoretical perspective of Discourse Analysis the paper focused on the study of Modern Racism in linguistic interactions activated and explored by means of a simulative instrument named “Pantanella Shish-mahal”, constructed on the theme of ethnocentrism and intergroup race-relations. In particular the role of two specific rhetorical devices, the “Denial of racism” and “Justifications”, is analysed and discussed. Results suggest that the study of Modern Racism pertains the realm of peoples’ ordinary conversation and talks and could be considered as a phenomenon socially and discursively constructed. The use of qualitative methods is also outlined as a key feature for analysing the phenomenon studied. On the whole the study conclusions uphold the evidence that in discursive interactions the phenomenon of Modern Racism is mainly featured by the the use of the two specific rhetorical devices studied.