SPEAKING OF CLIMATE: A LINGUISTIC ANALYSIS OF CLIMATE CHANGE COMMUNICATION
Bradley Ncube , Department of Communication and Media Studies. Zimbabwe Open University. ZimbabweAbstract
Effective communication about climate change is critical in shaping public perception, influencing policy decisions, and driving collective action. This study explores the linguistic strategies used to communicate information on climate change, examining how language shapes the discourse surrounding this global issue. Through a detailed analysis of various communication channels, including media reports, scientific publications, policy documents, and social media, the study identifies key themes, framing techniques, and rhetorical devices that characterize climate change communication.
The research highlights the impact of language on public understanding and engagement with climate change, revealing how different linguistic approaches can either clarify the issue or contribute to confusion and polarization. The study also investigates the role of metaphor, narrative, and framing in conveying the urgency and complexity of climate change, as well as the challenges of communicating scientific uncertainty and risk.
By analyzing these linguistic elements, the study provides insights into the effectiveness of current communication strategies and offers recommendations for improving the clarity, accessibility, and impact of climate change communication. The findings contribute to a deeper understanding of how language influences the climate change narrative and underscore the importance of thoughtful and strategic communication in addressing this critical issue.
Keywords
Climate change, linguistic analysis, communication strategies
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