«Крым возвращается домой!» Metaphorisch...

This article examines the use of metaphors in Russian TV talk shows on Pervyi kanal and Rossiia-1 during the annexation of Crimea in March 2014. Focusing on metaphors that suggest that the Crimean Peninsula belongs to Russia, the Critical Discourse Analysis results demonstrate that metaphors are utilized to present Crimea’s affiliation with the Russian Federation as ‘natural’, which ultimately depoliticizes the events. Finally, the current article outlines how to benefit from the study’s results in teaching Russian as a foreign language. Thereby, special attention is paid to metaphors and television’s potential for fostering intercultural and transcultural competences.