Abstract | This paper provides an analysis of six beer commercials and their use of intertextuality, which the advertisers use in order to establish a favourable image of the advertised product. The theoretical aspect of the paper deals with the terms “discourse”, “discourse analysis”, and “intertextuality”, the understanding of which is a prerequisite to understanding the analysis. Intertextuality is a characteristic of a text and discourse to either allude to or directly or indirectly quote another text or discourse. In doing so, the resulting text or discourse consists of numerous layers, and the contained meaning goes well beyond the written or spoken. Therefore, this language feature is frequently utilised by companies in their advertising in order to gain the affection of the target audience. Advertisers reference various elements that are an established part of human culture, e.g. movies, literature, songs, etc. The analysis offers concrete examples of the intertextual references advertisers use in their commercials. Furthermore, an approach explaining the reasoning behind choosing a certain reference, as well as the effects it may have on the audience is included in the analysis. The commercials selected for analysis are commissioned by three different brands of beer, viz. Bud Light, Carlton Draught, and Karlovačko. The specific brands were chosen because they sell and advertise their products primarily in their respective countries, Bud Light in the United States, Carlton Draught in Australia, and Karlovačko in Croatia. This provides the analysis with variation in content, and provides more information displaying distinctive advertisements approaches around the globe. |